Jokhang Temple
Balang North Street, Chengguan, Lhasa, Xizang (Tibet), China
Description:
Jokhang Temple is one of the most famous and revered Buddhist temples in Tibet. This place is visited by pilgrims and tourists from different parts of the world.
The temple was built by order of King Songtsen Gampo in 639. The initiator was the imperial wife Princess Bhrikuti, who believed that a Tibetan demon was sitting underground on the site of the future temple. So that she could not revolt, a temple was laid on this land.
Initially, the temple was called Rasa Trulang - "Magic manifestation of the Race", but it was renamed after the placement in the building of the figures of Buddha Akshobya and Jovo Rinpoche. The statues are now in the temple, but it is not known if they are authentic.
The temple is decorated with various sculptures and statues, frescoes with deities, rulers of Tibet and Lamaist saints. At the entrance to the temple there is a plate with an inscription-contract between the rulers of China and Tibet.
Services are held in the temple every day. Traditionally, from dawn to dusk, pilgrims tour the entire temple complex along a ritual path (kora), reciting a mantra.