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Jokhang Temple
The Jokhang Temple is one of
Tibet's holiest shrines. Originally built in 647 A.D. in celebration of
the marriage of the Tang Princess Wencheng and the Tubo King Songtsen Gampo.
In front of the gate is a stone Tablet of Unity from the Tang Dynasty; inscribed
are both Chinese characters and Tibetan script. Nearby is the stump of the
willow tree said to have been planted by Princess Wencheng herself; two younger
willow trees now flank the stump of the first tree.
Located in the center of old
Lhasa, the temple was built by craftsmen from Tibet, China and Nepal and thus
features different architectural styles. The temple is also the spiritual
center of Tibet and the holiest destination for all Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims.
In the central hall is the Jokhang's oldest and most precious object--a gold
statue of a seated 12-year-old Sakyamuni. This is said to have been
transported to Tibet by Princess Wencheng from her home in Changan in 700 A.D.
Other precious antiques in the temple include a silk portrait of Buddha from the
Tang Dynasty and a pearl gown and fold lamp from the Ming Dynasty. The
three-leafed roof of the Jokhang offers splendid views of the bustling Barkhor
market and across to the Potala Palace.
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