Bukjijangsa Temple

Bukjijangsa Temple is currently a subsidiary temple of Donghwasa Temple, which is the head temple of the 9th diocese of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and it is located by a clear valley stream in Palgongsan Mountain. It is a historic temple, recorded as Gongsan Jijangsa in the Samguk Yusa along with Donghwasa Temple in Palgongsan Mountain, and is a twin-pagoda temple, typical of Unified Silla period temples. There is a founding legend that the monk Geukdal Hwasang founded it in 485 (7th year of King Soji), and another theory states that when the monk Yanghan established Namjijangsa Temple on Mt. Choejeongsan in Dalseong-gun in 684 (4th year of King Sinmun), the Jijangsa Temple in Dohak-dong, Dong-gu, Palgongsan Mountain, came to be called Bukjijangsa (North Jijangsa) because it was located to the north when viewed from Daegu Metropolitan City. Although it appears to have been rebuilt by State Preceptor Bojo Jinul in 1192 (22nd year of King Myeongjong), no history of the temple after this rebuilding has been passed down. However, considering that some roof tiles of the Daeungjeon (Main Hall) bear inscriptions from the 4th year of Kangxi (1665) and others from 1623, it can be inferred that the temple was rebuilt in 1623 (1st year of King Injo) and renovated in 1665. The Bumugo, compiled in 1799 (23rd year of King Jeongjo), also mentions Bukjijangsa Temple being in Palgongsan Mountain. Furthermore, the Gyeongsang-do Eupji, compiled in 1832 (32nd year of King Sunjo), records that Bukjijangsa Temple, along with Cheongnyeonam Hermitage and Domyeongam Hermitage, belonged to Donghwasa Temple, indicating changes in the temple's affiliation. Existing temple buildings include the Jijangjeon, Geungnakjeon (currently Daeungjeon), Samseonggak, Sansingak, and Cheonwangmun. Notably, the Jijangjeon of Daegu Bukjijangsa Temple was once used as the Daeungjeon when the original Daeungjeon was destroyed by fire. Its construction date is 1623 (1st year of King Injo), with one bay on the front and a setback bay on the sides. The bracket system is of the multi-cluster bracket style with four inner and outer projections, well preserving the appearance of the mid-Joseon period. The interior is similar to the structural techniques of a pavilion, which is unusual for a Buddhist hall's structure. The pagoda standing parallel to the east of the Daeungjeon, facing south, is presumed to be from the Goryeo Dynasty. Originally, the area behind this pagoda was where a Buddhist hall stood, and many stone relics are scattered there. In addition, in front of the Jijangjeon, there is the Jijangsa Yugong Inyeongse Bulmangbi (Stele Commemorating the Benefactors of Jijangsa), and this inscription also records Jijangsa as an ancient temple from the Silla period. Having silently endured the passage of time for so long in the foothills of Palgongsan Mountain, Bukjijangsa Temple is currently the terminus of Daegu Olle Palgongsan Course 1, making it ideal for enjoying the course on foot from the Daegu Dong-gu Bangjja Yugi Museum. The path to Bukjijangsa Temple offers views of lush pine forests throughout all four seasons, and the fragrance from these pine forests lightens the steps of those going to see the Stone Seated Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva at Bukjijangsa Temple. Furthermore, Bukjijangsa Temple has a pond, and the old, large willow trees around it seem to once again urge one to leave behind worldly anxieties.