Lhasa, Tibet: Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street

August 23rd, 2007

August 23, 2007

The van parked outside Barkhor Square leading to Jokhang Temple, which was covered in dense smoke. There were many Chinese tourists and Tibetan worshippers milling around the outside of the temple.

Also known as Qoikang Monastery, Jokhang Temple is the most sacred and important shrine in Tibet. Construction began in 652 and the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jokhang is considered the “spiritual heart of the city.” Pilgrims were praying and filling huge incense burners with dried grass.

Traditionally, pilgrims walk around the temple, spin prayer wheels, and prostrate themselves before approaching the main deity. Some people crawl a considerable distance to the temple, while chanting the prayers.

We lined up and joined the crowd of people to enter the temple. The walls of the main hall were ornately decorated with religious murals and there were many tiny chapels that worshippers crowded to enter. The interior was dark, illuminated only by candles and filled with incense.

We climbed the stairs to the roof to see the gilt statues and decorations.

Below is the Dharma wheel flanked by statues of golden deer:

Pilgrims praying and entering Jokhang Temple:

A view of Barkhor Square from the roof of the temple:

We left the temple and walked back through Barkhor Square. Rows of vendors line both sides of the wide street.

The Tibetan people are warm and kind. They were undergoing heart wrenching and overwhelming changes to their culture and religious beliefs and way of life. My heart goes out to them and I wish them well.

I had an unbelievable adventure in Lhasa. Tibet is an incredibly beautiful country with a strong spirit. It is a wonderful place on Earth.

 

Comments are closed.