Jokhang

Meaning

Golden roofs blaze beneath the Tibetan blue sky, and the stone before the door is worn smooth by long devotion. Pilgrims throw their whole bodies down and rise again, over and over, as the scent of incense and butter lamps wraps the seat of the Buddha come to the land of snows.

In the heart of old Lhasa stands the most sacred temple of Tibetan Buddhism, held to have been founded in the 7th century under King Songtsen Gampo. It enshrines the Jowo, an image of Shakyamuni said to have been brought by Princess Wencheng from Tang China, becoming the center of pilgrimage; pilgrims still prostrate before the temple and circle it along the Barkhor. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Field notes

Location

Lhasa · China (Tibet) · N29.7° · E91.1°

Best time

Early morning, when pilgrimage and prayer are underway

Getting there

It faces Barkhor Square in old Lhasa; visits are by set hours and rules.

Etiquette

A place of ongoing worship and pilgrimage; do not disturb the prostrating pilgrims or the prayers, and observe dress and photography rules.

Sources

• · UNESCO World Heritage
• · Encyclopaedia Britannica

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