Lhasa - Temple of Tsuglagkhang / Jokhang

The Temple of Tsuglagkhang, mostly known as Jokhang, in the center of the city is the oldest place of worship in Tibet, and the destination of a continuous stream of pilgrims. Although it was probably built by the Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti, Songtsen Gampo's third wife, it is more commonly associated with the name of Wen Chang. Wen Chang arrived in Lhasa soon after Bhrikuti and brought with her the figure of the 12-year-old Buddha Shakyamuni which today is the main treasure in the temple and enjoys great devotion. The present-day statue, however, is thought to date from the 12th C. A large part of the works of art in the temple - amongst them the statues of Songtsen Gampo and the two Princesses - did not survive the Cultural Revolution