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. On show today are mostly replicas made in recent years. The fantastic murals depicting the history of the building of Jokhang are worth mentioning.

The holy Transformation Path runs in a circle around the Jokhang. Every day, a large Pilgrims' Market is held here and on the recently built forecourt, which is mainly visited by the large numbers of pilgrims that come to Lhasa. The selection of goods on offer is large and still rather exotic, including felted hats, colorful cushions, prayer flags, various pieces of jewelry, saddles for horses, food, clothes and antiques. Some of the produce hails from the neighboring countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim.