The Jokhang

Text From Lonely Planet Tibet, page 143:

Also known in Tibetan as the Tsuglhakhang, the Jokhang is the most revered religious structure in Tibet.  Although little remains of its 7th century orgins and most o the sculptures that adorn its interior post-date the Cultural Revolution, the Jokhang, bustling with worshippers and redolent with mystery, is an unrivalled Tibetan experience.

Estimated dates for the Jokhang's founding range from 639 to 647.  Consturction was initiated by King Songtsen Gampo to house a Buddha image, Akshobya (Tibetan: Mikyoba), brought to Tibet as part of the dowry of his Nepalese wife Princess Bhirkuti.  At the same time the Ramoche Temple was also constructed to house another Buddha image, Jowo Sakyamuni (Tibetan: Sakya Thukpa) brought to Tibet by his Chinese wife Princess Wencheng.  It is thought that after the death of Songtsen Gampo, Jowo Sakyamuni was moved from Ramoche for its protection and hidden in the Jokhang by Princess Wencheng.  The image has remained in the Jokhang ever since, and is the most revered Buddha image in all of Tibet.