Boonhwangsa temple

 


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Boonhwangsa was constructed in the spring of the 3rd year of Queen Sunduk's reign. During the reign of 35th King Kyongduk, in the 14th year, a bronze image Medicine buddha was cast by Boonhwangsa.


It was later burned, during the Japanese invasion. In the temple a pedestal of a stale Hwajungkuksa, stone well, a stone pagoda made to look like brick pagoda, a base of stone lantern remain. Banner pole supporters are outside the temple. It has a small pavilion, called Pokwangjon, and Amita Buddha is enshrined. In 1976, the museum of Dongguk University partly excavated and researched this temple. Boonhwangsa should be remembered as a place where the greatest Korean priests-Wonhyo and Chajang-stayed.

It is where the image of medicine Buddha, made from 366.700 kuns of copper, was enshrined. The mural by famous Soldier who also painted an old pine at Hwangyongsa, was also done here. It is said that in the stone well, guardian dragons lived; thus the name, "defending temple." It is the first pagoda made to look like brick. Inside, sarira reliquary was found. In 1965, many stone buddhist images were found in the pit at the back of
Boonhwangsa. Theres are 13 seated Buddhas, a halo, and 6 others. They are displayed in Kyongju National Museum. Wonhyo established Haedongjong, a new sect of Buddhist sutra. The temple is called Boonhwangjong, after him. It shows the deep relation between Wonhyo and this temple.

When Wonhyo died, his son Seolchong smashed his remains to make a small image. He enshrined it in the temple and worshiped it constantly. Every time he prayed, the image turned around and looked at him! The story reveals how much he loved his father; but this image was made to turn around for any-one who worshipped him. Now the image is gone, but one can still feel his warm-hearted character, and his exciting life. He stayed at this temple, leaving behind some of his writing.

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