Tongdosa Temple, Yangsan

Site details

Tongdosa Temple, one of Korea's three major temples, was established by Jajang Yulsa in the 15th year of Queen Seondeok's reign (646 AD) during the Silla Dynasty. As a Buddha Jewel (Bulbo) temple enshrining the relics of Sakyamuni Buddha, the Tongdosa Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall) does not house a Buddha statue. Instead, it enshrines the Buddha's relics in the Geumgang Gyedan (Diamond Precept Platform) located behind the building. The temple preserves numerous beautiful treasures, including the Tongdosa Daeungjeon and Geumgang Gyedan, the Tongdosa Gilt-Bronze Celestial Map depicting constellations with pearls, and the impressive murals of the Tongdosa Yeongsanjeon (Vulture Peak Hall). Tongdosa Daeungjeon and Geumgang Gyedan: The Daeungjeon, a representative building of mid-Joseon architecture, along with the Geumgang Gyedan, which enshrines the Buddha's relics, are significant cultural heritages for their architectural structure and historical importance. The name 'Tongdosa' signifies the attainment of enlightenment through the Geumgang Gyedan and leading sentient beings to paradise through the realization of truth. Tongdosa Gilt-Bronze Celestial Map: The map features constellations from the North Pole to the equatorial region, centered around the northern celestial pole. The map allows for the identification of directions and constellations by touch, suggesting that users could locate stars while observing the sky. The celestial map, adorned with pearl-like jewels emitting faint light, was designed for convenience in star identification and learning, making it a valuable scientific artifact that could be easily carried and used. Tongdosa Yeongsanjeon: As the central building of the lower courtyard (Harojeon) at Tongdosa, Yeongsanjeon is flanked by Geungnakjeon (Hall of Paradise) and Yaksajeon (Medicine Buddha Hall). The arrangement of the Buddha altar, the composition of the wall for murals, and the structure of the ceiling are distinctive features. The upper framework and bracket style exemplify early 18th-century Buddhist architecture, making Yeongsanjeon a crucial resource for the study of Buddhist architectural history and mural art.