Jokhang, Buddhist temple in Barkhor Square, Lhasa, Tibet.
Jokhang is a four-story temple with multiple halls and chambers covered in bronze tiles and decorated with two golden deer statues. The interior spaces are arranged to create a large religious complex that visitors can explore floor by floor.
The temple was founded in 642 as Rasa Tulnang Tsuklakang and combines architectural elements from Nepal, Tibet, China, and India. This blend of different building styles reflects international collaboration and cultural connections from that era.
The temple serves as the spiritual center where believers from across the region come to pray and perform ritual circumambulation around the building. The daily practices of worshippers shape how visitors experience the place and its surroundings.
Visitors should know that photography is not allowed inside and the temple is only open during certain hours. It is helpful to plan ahead and allow enough time to explore the different levels.
A stone pillar in front of the temple displays a treaty between China and Tibet from 822. This historical document also includes early medical guidelines for treating smallpox, showing how health knowledge was valued at that time.
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