The Jokhang Temple is dedicated to the statue of Jowo Shakyamuni. This is the holiest temple in all of Tibet. Pilgrims from all over flock to this temple to catch a glimpse of the Jowo Buddha, a statue that is said to have been blessed by the Buddha himself. Some pilgrims even prostrate all the way to the temple, even if it takes them years to travel from their home village to Lhasa. Others travel to the temple daily and prostrate in front of it, or circumambulate it while saying prayers.
Barkhor Street in Lhasa, local Tibetan circumambulating around the holy temple of Jokhang.
Although the whole site is commonly referred to as the Jokhang Temple, in reality it is not just a single building with single Buddha’s statue inside. Jokhang Temple is main structure, there is another temple called Trulnang Temple. If you follow with pilgrims, here are the names of temples inside the Jokhang Temple: 1). Je Rinpoche Lhakhang or Je Tsongkapa Lhakhang, the founder of Gelupa and his 8 disciples. 2). Wopame Lhakang or Amitaba Lhakhang and medicine buddha chapel. 3). Tuje Chenpo Lhakang, housing the eleven faced avalokiteshvara, this is one of the most sacred Buddhist image in Tibet. 4). Maitreya Temple. 5) Othang Gyatso Lhakang, 6). Jowo Shakyamuni Lhakang. These are the main temples but you will see more smiler temples among these big temples.
Jokhang Temple in Lhasa
