Lhasa's Jokhang temple normalise after fire

Lhasa, Feb 19 (IANS) Lhasa's Jokhang Temple, one of the most renowned and sacred temples in Tibetan Buddhism, has returned to its normal activities after a fire broke out at its premises over the weekend with no casualties, authorities said on Monday.

Barkhor market, which surrounds the temple, had reopened on Sunday, reports Efe news.

There were hardly any signs of Saturday's fire, except for marks left by the water in the temple's main hall, state media reported.

The source of the fire has not been specified.

The Jokhang Temple will be closed from Monday until February 22 as scheduled, when its monks mark the New Year holiday.

The temple has a history of more than 1,300 years and is home to a community of monks. It is one of the most revered in Tibetan Buddhism and receives thousands of pilgrims every day.

Many Tibetan pilgrims felt relieved upon learning that the most precious image, portraying the Buddha Sakyamuni when he was 12 years old, had not suffered any damage in the wake of the fire.