Jokhang Temple in Tibet / The destination of pilgrimage

Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, the destination of pilgrimage, the center of the world. If the Potala Palace is the heart of Tibet, then Jokhang Temple is the eyes of Tibet. It is said: 'First there was Jokhang Temple, then there was the city of Lhasa.' The central position of Jokhang Temple is not only geographical but also in the hearts of the Tibetan people. Compared to the majesty and authority of the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple imparts a sense of vastness and universality. It is said that many Tibetans from afar, braving mountains and rivers, prostrating long distances to Lhasa, do so to reach Jokhang Temple, to witness the true face of Buddha, to prostrate once, to add a bit of ghee to the eternal lamp in front of Buddha, to cultivate in this life, seeking happiness in the next. Jokhang Temple was originally built to house the life-sized statue of the 8-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha brought by Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal, with a history of over 1300 years. Now, it houses the life-sized golden statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha brought by Princess Wencheng of China. Jokhang Temple has become a 'holy place' because of this statue.