The Jokhang - overview from the Barkhor
Contrary
to general belief not the Potala is the most important place for Tibetan
Buddhists but the Jokhang temple. The Potala is a dzong, a castle, and had been
the more administrative center of the Tibetan universe. But the Jokhang is a
place of worship, that where the pilgrims go prostrate and offer yak butter,
money etc. This temple truly is the spiritual heart of Lhasa. The temple has
been built since 652, which means since the Tang period according to Chinese
reckoning. In front of the Jokhang is the Barkhor with two huge stone
structures (sankang), in which incense like aromatic plant are burnt. Barkhor
means market place and is part of the kora, the route pilgrims take clockwise
to circle the Jokhang, which takes about 20 minutes.
Top of the temple - note the flag
One of the huge sankang
Burning aromatic herbs
Pilgrims and tourists
Prostrating in front of the Jokhang -
in unison, but each one at his/her own pace
Some pilgrims dress beautifully, e.g. before marriage,
but she might be a Han-Chinese tourist
These two ladies might rather be pilgrims -
note the elaborate braids, 108!
Interior of the Jokhang
Interior of the Jokhang
Pilgrims queuing for access
Inner court of the Jokhang
Han-Chinese pilgrims! Yes, there are Han-Chinese believers
of the Vajrayana.
Constant waves of pilgrims ...
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