Jokhang Temple

The Jokhang was the first Buddhist temple built in Tibet. It was built around 642 by king Songtsen Gampo for his Buddhist wife, princess Wen Cheng of China. ‘Jokhang’ means ‘House of the Buddha’. The Jokhang is regarded as the most holy place to Tibetans and has been the destination for millions of Tibetans on pilgrimage. The sacred shrine in its main hall houses the Jowo statue of Shakhyamuni Buddha, the oldest Buddhist statue of Tibet, brought by princess Wen Cheng 1300 years ago. The Jokhang is also part of the Unesco World Heritage Site “Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace”.