Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple, also called the Qokang Monastery, Jokang, the Jokhang, Jokhang Monastery or Zuglagkang, is located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa, Tibet. For most of the Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is in some regards pan-sectarian, but is presently controlled by the Gelug school. The temple's building style is a mixture of Indian vihara design, Chinese Tang Dynasty design, and Nepalese design.

It was founded during the reign of king Songsten Gampo. According to tradition, the temple was built for the two brides of the king, Princess Wencheng of the Chinese Dynasty Tang and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. Both wives are said to have brought important Buddhist statues and images from China and Nepal to Tibet as part of their dowries, and they were housed here. Many Nepalese artists worked to construct this temple.

During the Bon period of Tibet the temple was called the Zuglagkang. The term zuglag refers to the 'sciences' such as geomancy, astrology, and divination which formed part of the pre-Buddhist shamanistic religion now referred to as Bon. It is more commonly known today as the Jokhang, which means the 'House of the Buddha'.

Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace," and a spiritual centre of Lhasa.

Location

Barkhor Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa

Travel Information

Admission Fee: 85 Yuan
Opening Hours: 7:00AM - 12:00PM, 3:00PM - 6:30PM

Main Sights

Statue of Sakyamuni, King Songtsem Gampo Statue, Princess Wencheng Statue, Princess Bhrikuti Statue, Dharma Wheel  

Travel Tips 

1. The temple is for pilgrims in the morning, tourists can only tour Jokhang Temple in the afternoon betwee 11:30AM to 5:30PM.

2. You must walk clockwise from left to right in the temple.

Tour including Visiting Jokhang Temple (Lhasa)

8 Day Lhasa, Jokhang Temple, Gyantse, Shigatse and Everest Base Camp