Ssanggyesa Temple (Nonsan)

Ssanggyesa Temple (Nonsan) is a temple located at the foot of Mount Bulmyeong, a branch of Mount Daedunsan. Historically, it is said to have been founded by Ven. Hyemyeong, who erected the Stone Standing Maitreya Bodhisattva of Gwanchoksa Temple (National Treasure) in the early Goryeo period. However, according to a legend, there is a story that the son of the Jade Emperor descended from heaven, chose the temple site, and established it. The temple houses the Daeungjeon (Main Hall) and the Wooden Seated Sakyamuni Buddha Triad, both designated as treasures. The Daeungjeon is famous for its floral lattice windows. The floral patterns were carved in six different designs, including lotus and peony, and then painted, revealing delicate and intricate craftsmanship. Today, within the temple grounds, centered around the Daeungjeon, which is a designated treasure, are the Nahanjeon (Hall of Arhats) and Chilseonggak (Hall of the Seven Stars) to the left of the Daeungjeon, and the Myeongbujeon (Hall of Judgment) to the front left and the Yosa (monks' quarters) to the right. In addition, the Clay Seated Sakyamuni Buddha Triad is also designated as a treasure. At the temple entrance are a group of stupas and a reconstruction monument, both designated as Cultural Heritage Material of Chungcheongnam-do Province. Ssanggyesa Temple is said to have been a small hermitage during the Goryeo Dynasty and was extensively reconstructed in the late Goryeo period.