Barkhor Street encirles the temple and every day thousands of people, Tibetans and visitors alike, walk the street sending prayers up to "above". One must walk in the clockwise direction.
The prayer drums too must be rotated in the clockwise direction.Outside the temple, facing the temple entrance, Tibetans posturing. Looking at the dedication, it would be an endurance test for many of us. Dawa, our Tibetan guide, said they posture about 3000 times - how about that for dedication!
There were delays in getting into the temple because of the crowd. Crowd controllers obviously allowed those who came to pray in first. Tourists were given a time to return, usually during a quieter period. It was like a maze inside. The holiest image of Buddha (1400 yr old) was what most disciples came to worship - huge queue getting to it. This image was part of Chinese Princess Wencheng's dowry to King Songtsen Gampo and was originally installed in the Ramoche Temple a short distance away. (The reason why it got shifted here is another story.) No photographing was allowed in most part of within the temple. Here are a few shots in the area we were allowed to photograph:
The paintings are still original. Apparently, the pitment used for the colours and paints were made from precious stones and hence never faded over the years. They apparently wash the walls (and paintings) every so often!There was a very strong smell of Yak fat (oil) where disciples contributed to the oil lamps. In this practice it left the floors very greasy and slippery. Fire risk is obviously a major concern in such a place.
We were allowed to the roof top for a better view of the surrounding. This is the courtyard outside the Jokhang Temple:
and a veiw of the Potala Palace a couple of kms away:
.... and here are some other photos taken atop the roof:
Next visits ... Sera Monastary (debating monks) ... Potala Palace ...
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