The Jokhang (or Jokang) Temple is in the center of "old" Lhasa, the section with a greater Tibetan population and less Han Chinese. It is surrounded by the Barkhore square, the business center of Lhasa."It's golden-roofed Temple is surrounded by the Barkhor kora (pilgrim circuit), lined with all manner of shops and stalls selling prayer flags, holy scriptures, jewelry and an assortment of other Tibetian goods together in a festive atmosphere." (from: http://www.onelove.com/gf_blog/cat_tibet.html)
The faithful are always walking around it in a clockwise circle.
There is a legend about how it was built on a lake (after the body of water was filled in). "Whether the legend is true or not, this temple brought Buddhism into Tibet and became an inseparable part of Tibetan history and culture. The city of Ra-Sa grew around the temple and over time, become known as Lhasa, a holy land.
The Jokhang Temple, a massive building consisting of three floors and an open roof all filled with chapels and chambers, has undergone extensive reconstructions and additions since the 7th century, particularly during the 17th century reign of the fifth Dalai Lama.While parts of the existing temple structure date from earlier times, most of the murals are from the 18th and 19th centuries and few statues (with the notable exception of the Joyo Sakyamuni) are older than the 1980's. The temple was sacked several times during Mongol incursions but its worst treatment has been at the hands of the Chinese since their occupation of Tibet in 1959. The first part was built in the 7th century.
There is a giant 'incense burner" in front of the temple, which is contantly kept going. Juniper is a favourite offering.This place is the Tibetan Buddhism's most sacred temple, the recipient of prayers of daily worshippers and once-in-a-lifetime pilgrims."
People come from many miles around, sometimes thousands of miles, on a pilgrimmage to this temple, where they do as many prostations as they can in a day. Younger people can apparently do around 1,000 or so.
Because of the recent demonstrations, I am not allowed inside, although my guide has knocked on the door and asked privately. Had I gone myself the day before I might have been able to enter.
A really good video that a friend of mine gave me when I came home, has wonderful images of the interior; "Journey into Buddhism: Vajara Sky OVer Tibet."
There are some URL's that give more information about the place as well:
http://kimbriggs.com/photos/tibet/lhasa/lhasa-jokhang.file
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/tibet/lhasa/jokhang.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jokhang
http://www.sacredsites.com/asia/tibet/jokhang_temple.html
