Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet, the Holy of Holies, the destination of millions of Tibetan pilgrims. Unlike the lofty Potala, the Jokhang Temple has intimate, human proportions, bustling with worshippers and redolent with mystery. The outer courtyard and porch of the temple are usually filled with pilgrims making full-length prostration towards the holy sanctum. Jokhang Temple’s innermost shrine contains the oldest, most precious object in Tibet - the original gold stature of Sakyamuni - the historical Buddha, which Princess Wen Cheng brought from Chang'an 1,300 years ago.
Every year, the Great Prayer Festival will be held in the Jokhang Temple. The rites of Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas' initiation into lamahood are also held in the monastery.
