Around Bukjijangsa Temple

Bukjijangsa Temple

Bukjijangsa Temple is currently a branch temple (mal-sa) of Donghwasa Temple, the head temple of the 9th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located by a clear valley stream on Palgongsan Mountain. It is a historic temple, recorded as Gongsan Jijangsa in the Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) along with Donghwasa on Palgongsan, and is a typical twin-pagoda temple (ssangtap garam) from the Unified Silla period. There is a legend that the monk Geukdal Hwasang founded it in 485 (7th year of King Soji's reign). Another theory suggests that when the monk Yanghan established Namjijangsa Temple (South Jijangsa Temple) on Choejeongsan Mountain in Dalseong-gun in 684 (4th year of King Sinmun's reign), the Jijangsa Temple on Palgongsan Mountain in Dohak-dong, Dong-gu, was named Bukjijangsa (North Jijangsa) because it was located north relative to Daegu Metropolitan City. It appears to have been rebuilt by State Preceptor Jinul in 1192 (22nd year of King Myeongjong's reign), but no history of the temple after this reconstruction has been passed down. However, based on roof tiles of the Daeungjeon Hall bearing inscriptions from 1665 (4th year of Kangxi) and 1623, it can be inferred that the temple was rebuilt in 1623 (1st year of King Injo's reign) and repaired in 1665. The record of Bukjijangsa Temple being on Palgongsan Mountain also appears in the Beomugo, compiled in 1799 (23rd year of King Jeongjo's reign). Furthermore, the Gyeongsang-do Eupji, compiled in 1832 (32nd year of King Sunjo's reign), records that Bukjijangsa Temple, along with Cheongnyeonam and Domyeongam hermitages, belonged to Donghwasa Temple, indicating changes in the temple's affiliation. Existing temple buildings include the Jijangjeon Hall, Geungnakjeon Hall (currently Daeungjeon Hall), Samseonggak, Sansingak, and Cheonwangmun Gate. Notably, Daegu Bukjijangsa Jijangjeon Hall was once used as the Daeungjeon Hall when the original Daeungjeon was destroyed by fire. Its construction date is 1623 (1st year of King Injo's reign), featuring one kan (bay) on the front and an extended bay on the side. The bracketing system (gongpo) is of the multi-cluster (Dabopo) style with four internal and external projections (chulmok), characteristic of the mid-Joseon Dynasty. The interior's structural technique is similar to that of a pavilion, which is a unique example for a Buddhist hall's structure. The pagoda standing to the east of the Daeungjeon, facing south, is presumed to be from the Goryeo period. Originally, behind this pagoda was the site of a dharma hall, where many stone artifacts are scattered. In addition, in front of the Jijangjeon Hall, there is a Stele for the Meritorious Workers of Jijangsa Temple (Jijangsa Yugongin Yeongse Bulmangbi), whose inscription also records Jijangsa as an ancient temple from the Silla period. Bukjijangsa Temple, which has silently guarded its history on the slopes of Palgongsan Mountain for such a long time, is currently the endpoint of the Daegu Olle Palgongsan Course 1. It is ideal for enjoying a walking course from the Daegu Dong-gu Bangjja Yugi Museum. The path to Bukjijangsa offers green pine forests year-round, and the scent from the pine forest lightens the steps of those going to see the stone Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha (Jijang-bosal) of Bukjijangsa. Furthermore, Bukjijangsa Temple has a pond, and an old willow tree by the pond seems to invite visitors to leave behind their worldly worries once more.