–dalailama.com

Shewatsel, Ladakh: On 3 August 2025, His Holiness the Dalai Lama drove to the site of the demolished Jokhang Temple in Leh. Under bright morning sun, people from all walks of life lined the road to greet him. At the Jokhang site he was welcomed by the Presidents of the Ladakh Buddhist Association and Ladakh Gonpa Association and other dignitaries. He then blessed the site on which the temple is to be reconstructed.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama laying the foundation stone at the Jokhang site in Leh, Ladakh, India on 3 August 2025. Photo by Ven Zamling Norbu.

After His Holiness had taken his seat members of the Reconstruction Committee reported to him that the old Temple had developed cracks due to flooding and heavy rain that could not be repaired. They showed him plans for the construction of a new temple. Hundreds of monastics and laypeople had gathered to witness the laying of the foundation stone and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque which read:

Laying the Foundation for Wisdom and Compassion Reconstruction of the Chowkhang (Jokhang) Vihara, Leh, Ladakh

Beneath these two lines was written...