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Jokhang Temple Lhasa Tibet
Monument
798 views
Lhasa, Lhasa (850000), Tibet, China
Added on Sun, Nov 9, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Updated on Fri, Nov 21, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Year Built
647 CE
Period
Gupta Period
Architectural Style
Built By
Tibetan Empire (King Songtsen Gampo)
Patronage
King Songtsen Gampo
Material Used
Contributed By
Team InheritageAdded Nov 9, 2025
Jokhang Temple Lhasa Tibet
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Heritage Overview
Jokhang Temple Lhasa Tibet
Jokhang Temple, located in the heart of Lhasa, Tibet, represents the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism and stands as one of the most sacred religious sites in Tibet, constructed in the 7th century CE during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo and demonstrating the profound transmission of Indian Buddhist traditions to Tibet, which has maintained deep cultural, religious, and historical connections with India for over two millennia. The temple, originally constructed to house the Jowo Shakyamuni statue brought from India by King Songtsen Gampo’s Nepalese queen Bhrikuti, features a distinctive architectural design that synthesizes Indian vihara (monastery) architecture, Nepalese temple styles, and Tibetan construction techniques, creating a unique architectural expression that reflects Tibet’s position as a cultural bridge between India and Central Asia. The temple complex, constructed primarily from stone and wood with extensive use of gold leaf and painted decoration, features a four-story structure rising approximately 20 meters, with the ground floor housing the most sacred Jowo Shakyamuni statue, while upper floors contain numerous chapels, shrines, and assembly halls that have served as centers of Buddhist learning and worship for over thirteen centuries. The temple’s architectural design demonstrates direct influence from Indian Buddhist vihara architecture, particularly the Gupta and Pala period styles, with the overall plan reflecting mandala-based cosmological principles found in Indian temple architecture, while the decorative elements including intricate wood carvings, painted murals, and metalwork demonstrate the transmission of Indian artistic traditions to Tibet. Archaeological and historical evidence indicates the temple was constructed with the assistance of Indian and Nepalese architects and craftsmen, reflecting the active religious and cultural exchange between Tibet and India during the 7th century, when Indian Buddhist scholars, texts, and artistic traditions were systematically introduced to Tibet, establishing Tibet as an integral part of the greater Indic cultural sphere. The temple has undergone multiple expansions and renovations over the centuries, with significant additions during the 11th, 15th, and 17th centuries, each period reflecting continued engagement with Indian Buddhist traditions and architectural knowledge. Today, Jokhang Temple stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to serve as the most important pilgrimage destination in Tibet, attracting thousands of devotees daily who perform circumambulation (kora) around the temple and its surrounding Barkhor Square, demonstrating the enduring vitality of Tibetan Buddhism and its deep roots in Indian religious and cultural traditions. ([1][2])
Historical Context
Jokhang Temple was constructed in the 7th century CE during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo (617-650 CE), who established the Tibetan Empire and initiated systematic introduction of Indian Buddhism to Tibet. The temple was built to house the Jowo Shakyamuni statue brought from India, demonstrating the close religious connections between Tibet and India. The temple was constructed with assistance from Indian and Nepalese architects and craftsmen, reflecting active cultural exchange. The temple has undergone multiple expansions and renovations, with significant additions in the 11th, 15th, and 17th centuries. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000 as part of the Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace. ([1][2])
Location Map
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Jokhang Temple (Pilgrims): 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Daily.
Jokhang Temple (Tourists): 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Daily.
Entry Fee
CNY 85 for all visitors. Free for children under 1.2 meters.
Best Visit Times
During Saga Dawa (May/June) or Losar (February/March): Experience vibrant religious ceremonies and intense pilgrimage activity. April to May and September to October: Pleasant weather with moderate temperatures (10-20°C) ideal for exploring. Early morning (before 11:30 AM) to observe pilgrims, or late morning/early afternoon (after 11:30 AM) for tourist access.
Official Website
Go to Official WebsiteArchitectural Highlights
Architectural Style
Period
Gupta Period
Influences
Indian Vihara Architecture, Gupta Period Buddhist Architecture, Pala Architecture, Nepalese Temple Design, Tibetan Buddhist Architecture, Indic Cosmological Planning, Mandala-Based Design
Heritage Status
UNESCO World Heritage Site (Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace)
Preservation Status
Excellent; temple preserved; UNESCO World Heritage protection; active place of worship. ([1][2])
Conservation Status
Excellent; preserved; UNESCO protection; active worship ensures ongoing maintenance. ([1][2])
Archaeological Survey
Surveyed By
UNESCO, Tibetan Cultural Authorities
Survey Date
20th century, 2000
Featured Images
Citation References
No references recorded. Add citations to strengthen verification.
Excavation Details
Archaeological surveys have revealed construction phases, evidence of Indian architectural influences, and connections to Indian Buddhist traditions.
Restoration Work
Multiple restorations over centuries; structural stabilization; conservation of murals and sculptures; UNESCO inscription protection. ([1][2])
Patronage
King Songtsen Gampo
Construction Technique
Construction utilized locally quarried stone for foundations and lower walls, with timber framing supporting upper floors and roofs. The temple employed load-bearing masonry construction for the ground floor, with timber post-and-beam construction for upper levels, a technique adapted from Indian vihara architecture. The foundation system utilized compacted earth and stone platforms, with deeper foundations for the central structure. The Jowo Shakyamuni statue was installed in a specially constructed sanctum with precise orientation according to Indian cosmological principles. The decorative elements including wood carvings, painted murals, and metalwork were executed by Indian and Nepalese craftsmen using techniques transmitted from India. The temple’s roof structure employs Tibetan timber construction adapted from Indian architectural knowledge. ([1][2])
Architectural Influences
Indian Vihara Architecture, Gupta Period Buddhist Architecture, Pala Architecture, Nepalese Temple Design, Tibetan Buddhist Architecture, Indic Cosmological Planning, Mandala-Based Design
Building Techniques
The structural system employs load-bearing stone masonry for the ground floor, with timber post-and-beam construction for upper levels adapted from Indian vihara architecture. The foundation system consists of compacted earth and stone platforms, with deeper foundations for the central structure. The timber framing utilizes mortise-and-tenon joinery techniques transmitted from India. The roof structure employs Tibetan timber construction with Indian architectural influences. The overall plan reflects mandala-based cosmological principles found in Indian temple architecture. ([1][2])
Coordinates
29.650237, 91.133861
Accessibility Info
4 items
Visitor Facilities
6 items
Best Visit Times
During Saga Dawa (May/June) or Losar (February/March): Experience vibrant religious ceremonies and intense pilgrimage activity. April to May and September to October: Pleasant weather with moderate temperatures (10-20°C) ideal for exploring. Early morning (before 11:30 AM) to observe pilgrims, or late morning/early afternoon (after 11:30 AM) for tourist access.
Seasonal Events
5 items
Visitor Restrictions
["Visitors are required to dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered.","Photography is generally prohibited inside the main prayer halls and shrines; however, it may be allowed in courtyards and on the rooftop (check for specific signs).","Hats must be removed when entering the temple's sacred areas.","Visitors should walk clockwise (kora) around the temple and stupas, respecting the flow of pilgrims.","No smoking is allowed within the temple premises.","Security checks are common upon entry, and large bags may need to be stored."]
View Count
798
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
75
Completion Status
complete
Created By
b609c300-e3e9-42af-8d00-5125af139175
Created At
2025-11-09T09:03:35.715022+00:00
Updated At
2025-11-21T10:42:24.51649+00:00
Related Heritage Sites
What is Jokhang Temple Lhasa Tibet?
Jokhang Temple Lhasa Tibet is a historic Monument located in Tibet, Tibet. This Indo-Tibetan architecture style, Pala architecture style, Gupta architecture style, Vihara architecture style architectural masterpiece was built during the Gupta Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Tibet. Jokhang Temple, located in the heart of Lhasa, Tibet, represents the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism and stands as one of the most sacred religious sites in Tibet, constructed in the 7th century C...
Category:
MonumentLocation:
Lhasa, Lhasa (850000), Tibet, China, TibetPeriod:
Gupta PeriodStyle:
Indo-Tibetan architecture style, Pala architecture style, Gupta architecture style, Vihara architecture styleArchitectural Features