Jokhang Temple: The Spiritual Heart of Tibet
Jokhang isn't just another temple; it's the beating heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Located in the ancient heart of Lhasa's Old Town, this 1,400-year-old temple is home to Tibet's most revered treasure – a life-sized statue of the 12-year-old Buddha.
The Jokhang is undoubtedly the most revered temple in Lhasa, even in all of Tibet. Its role is so crucial that the urban development of Lhasa has centered around the Jokhang for over a millennium. Today the Jokhang is an extensive complex of temple buildings with courtyards, monks’ quarters, offices, and kitchens. It has been constructed in several stages since Lhasa became the Tibetan capital during the seventh century after Emperor Songtsen Gampo (ca. 605-649), through numerous military campaigns to unify Tibet and expand Tibetan territory, managed the feat of confederating tribes.
As one of Tibet's oldest temples, Jokhang, established in 647 AD during the Tubo Dynasty's peak, boasts over a millennium of history. Revered across all Tibetan Buddhism sects, it annually draws pilgrims from across Tibet and neighboring regions, affirming its revered status.
Integral to its history is Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty, responsible for its site and design. The temple houses a prized relic - the life-sized statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni Buddha, brought from the Tang Dynasty by Princess Wencheng. This golden statue, embodying the temple's essence, offers visitors a profound, almost tangible connection to Sakyamuni Buddha. It stands as a beacon of compassion and benevolence, anchoring the spiritual life of Tibetan Buddhists.
Jokhang Temple, beyond being a pivotal center for Tibetan Buddhism, pulsates as the lifeblood of Lhasa. Together with the nearby Potala Palace, it epitomizes the city's soul. A magnet for pilgrims, its religious stature fills it with vibrant activity. For local Tibetans, visiting the temple and engaging in prostrations form a vital ritual in their daily lives. The temple grounds, often dotted with hundreds of mats, bear witness to the deep faith of devotees of all ages, including the elderly and infirm, who partake in the sacred act of circumambulating Barkhor Street.
