A Glimpse at Holy Lhasa

Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and renowned "Holy Land", lies on the middle reaches of the Lhasa river. It has an average elevation of  over 4,000 m thus is considered the nearest place to the sun. It is a holy Land for the presence of the Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery and Jokhang Temple surrounded by Barkor Streeet. Pilgrims come to Lhasa from every corner of the Tibet, India, Nepal and other countries to prey. They prostrate themselves on the ground with each step, even if it means they might die from exhaustion during the long pilgrimage.

 

Potala Palace

The Potala Palace, a 13-story palace complex was built in the 7th century by Empror Songtsan Gambo. Potala Palace occupies an area of 41 hectares, with the main building rising 115 meters high. The complex is of stone and wood structure. The upper structure of the place is of wood. The roofs of the main buildings are in traditional Han architectural style with upturned eaves, tinkling bells at each corner and gilded yellow tiles.

Panorama of Potala Palace

 Jokhang Temple and Barkor Street

Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet. It sits on the very center of the old Lhasa and is well known for the figure of Sakyamuni aged 12 brought by Chinese Princess Wen Cheng. The Barkor Street, shaped like an octagon, encircles the Jokhang Temple. Day and night, pilgrims pour into this circuit to mark each step with full-length prostration. Besides, the whole circuit is lined with stalls selling anything with Tibetan color.

Pilgrims in the Entrance of Jokhang Temple

The Statue of Sakyamuni Aged 12

The Gilded Roof of  Jokhang Temple

Drepung Monastery

Drepung Monastery, the largest and richest monastery in Tibet, was founded in 1416. At its peak, it had a registration of more than 10,000 thousand monks. Gilded Buddha and Sakyamuni are enshrined and worshipped in its assembly hall. Other valuable pictures and statues are cherished in this powerful monastery. In Tibetan language, Drepung means "rice pile".

Monks in Front of the Main Shrine

Golden Pray Wheel in Drepung Monastery

 

2010-12-13

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