For most Tibetans, Jokhang Temple is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It has been a destination for Buddhist pilgrims for centuries. The oldest wood and masonry structure still in existence in Tibet, Jokhang Temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Located on the Barkhor Square, in the old section of Lhasa, Jokhang Templewas founded in the 7th century, during the reign of King Songsten Gampo. According to Tibetan history, it was built for the two brides of the king. Princess Wencheng was of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, and Princess Bhrikuti was from Nepal. Both wives were said to have brought important Buddhist statues and images from China and Nepal as part of their dowries, and they were housed in the temple.
To get a better understanding of the importance of Jokhang Temple to the pilgrims, visitors should follow part of the circumambulation route, the pilgrimage circuit. The entire temple complex is approximately 25,000 square meters and the pilgrims circumambulate the temple as part of the pilgrimage to the temple. The circumambulation route is called the kora in Tibetan, and it is done in a clockwise direction. After finishing the kora around the exterior of Jokhang, the pilgrims then enter the main hall of the temple, which houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue.This statue was brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng, and is pobably the most sacred object to Tibetan Buddhists.
