Beopjusa, Songnisan National Park
Beopjusa is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It is situated on the slopes of Songnisan in Naesongni-myeon, Boeun-gun, in the province of Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. It was initially constructed in 653 by the Shilla monk Uisin. It has been historically associated with Beopsang thought and the worship of the Maitreya Buddha.
In the Goryeo dynasty, this temple is said to have been home to as many as 3,000 monks. A few facilities from this period still remain on the temple grounds, including a cistern and iron pot for serving food and water to thousands of monks. It continued to play an important role in subsequent centuries, but shrank as the state's support for Buddhism disappeared under the Joseon Dynasty.
The temple is particularly known for Palsangjeon, a wooden pagoda. Like most of the other buildings, this burned to the ground in the Seven Year War. The pagoda was reconstructed in 1624.
Joseon Dynasty founder Taejo is said to have retired to a spot near Beopjusa after tiring of his sons' fighting.
[edit] Events and places of interest
- Buddha's Birthday. Many visit Beopjusa during this time and the walkways to the temple are lined with colorful lanterns. Here's one visit from 1999. The day changes year-to-year; here are upcoming dates:
- 2007: May 24
- 2008: May 12
- 2009: May 2
- 2010: May 21
- 2011: May 10
- 2012: April 28
- Carved lanterns [1], 209 Sanaeri, Naesongni-myeon, Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
- Daeungjun Hall
- Sacheonwangmun Gate
- Palsangjeon pagoda
- Songnichukjeon Festiva
[edit] External links
|
