Highlights of Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple, also named "Zulakhang" or "Juekhang" which means Buddha Hall in Tibetan Language. It was built by Songtsen Gampo to commemorate Princess Bhrikuti. It was enlarged and repaired by later generations. Now, it has over 1350 years' history. The highlights of Jokhang Temple include the 12-year-old Sakyamuni Statue, Nangguo and Tang-Tibet Alliance Monument.

Highlights of Jokhang Temple – 12-Year-Old Sakyamuni Statue

The 12-year-old Sakyamuni Statue was built based on the image of Sakyamuni when he was alive. After the statue completed, the disciples were lucky enough to invite Sakyamuni to get his statue blessed. The statue of Sakyamuni is very precious. It is with high historical and cultural value. The most important is that Tibetans think it is equal to see the Sakyamuni in 2500 years ago when see the statue.

There are only three statues with same size with Sakyamuni in the world. When Sakyamuni was alive, he opposed to idolatry. He did not agree to build monastery to enshrine his statues. When he was approaching his end, he agreed to make three statues in his three different ages. He even drew pictures for these statues. Among these three statues, the gilded 12-year-old Sakyamuni Statue is the most exquisite and most precious one. The 12-year-old Sakyamuni Statue came into China from ancient Indian. Later, it was brought to Tibet by Princes Wencheng. At first, the 12-year-old Sakyamuni Statue was enshrined in Ramoche Monastery. And the 8-year-old Sakyamuni Statue was enshrined in Jokhang Temple. Later, they changed their position. The 12-year-old Sakyamuni Statue is enshrined in Jokhang Temple.

Highlights of Jokhang Temple – Nangguo

The Nagguo is around "Juekhang Hall" in Jokhang Temple. It is the interior circumambulation of three circumambulations in Lhasa. The main circumambulation activities in Lhasa almost focus on Sakyamuni in Jokhang Temple. Except for the interior circumambulation, the middle circumambulation is ancient and busy Barkhor Street, and the outer circumambulation is around Jokhang Temple, Yaowang Hill, Potala Palace and Ramoche Monastery.

Highlights of Jokhang Temple – Tang – Tibet Alliance Monument

At the small square in front of Jokhang Temple, you can take a full view of Jokhang Temple. The first in you sight will be two stone monuments which are surrounded by walls. The monument on south side is famous Tang-Tibet Alliance Monument. It is 3.42 meters high, 0.82 meters thick and 0.35 meters thick. It was carved in the second year of Changqing Period in Tang Dynasty (in 823) with Tibetan and Chinese.

In 9th century, Tang and Tubo patched up peace. In order to express the sincere of friendship between Tang and Tubo, the Kridê Zukzain who was Zanpo of Tubo at that time erected the monument in front of Jokhang Temple. The monumental writing is simple and unadorned, and words are earnest. Now, the monument has been weathered. But most part of inscription on the monument is still very clear. There is a willow on side of the monument. It is said that this willow was planted by Princess Wencheng. Hence, local Tibetans call this willow as Princess Willow.