Cheonchuksa Temple天竺寺

Cheonchuksa is a traditional temple (Nowon No. 9-1) with over 1,300 years of history, directly administered by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. In 673 (the 13th year of King Munmu) during the Unified Silla period, Great Master Uisang founded the temple and named it Okcheonam because its water was exceptionally clean. It is said that during the Goryeo Dynasty, the Indian monk Jigong told National Preceptor Naong that 'the scenery here resembles Vulture Peak in Cheonchukguk (present-day India).' Afterward, in 1398, King Taejo Yi Seong-gye offered a 100-day prayer at Okcheonam and founded the Joseon Dynasty. In the 7th year of his reign, he rebuilt the temple and bestowed the plaque with the name Cheonchuksa, using the character 'cheon' (天, meaning heaven) and 'chuk' (竺, referring to India). This name signifies 'a peaceful place where the Buddha always resides.' Cheonchuksa received direct royal patronage and was rebuilt by royal command in 1474, the 5th year of King Seongjong's reign. During King Myeongjong's reign, Queen Munjeong bestowed a Hwaryu Yongsang (No. 366, currently stored in the Central Buddhist Museum's repository), which was then used as a Buddhist altar. As a royal prayer sanctuary rebuilt by Gyeonghak in 1812, the 12th year of King Sunjo's reign, it underwent major repairs in 1959 and has been rebuilt several times since then, maintaining its current appearance. In 1964, Cheonchuksa repaired and restored Korea's first Mumungwan (a meditation hall for silent retreat) and has since been a foundational spiritual training ground (doryang) that upholds the tradition of pure practice.