[Mihwang Temple]
- Dalma mountain Mihuang Temple
Mihuang temple is a temple founded
during unified Shinra, and there is a founding story that supports the theory
that Buddhism flowed in via the sea. The Budo sculpture of Budojeon is peculiar. Mihwang Temple is an ancient temple that
supports the theory that Buddhism flowed into Korea via the sea. In the old days,
it was a big temple possessing 20 or so big and small temple buildings, and
particularly Daewungjeon, which is the 947th treasure, is a splendid
building both in terms of the size and exquisiteness. On ¡®Mihwang Temple
History Record¡¯ written by Min-am, who used to be government official in 1692
the 18th year of King Sukjong, there is a record of a myth about the
foundation of the place, known to have been founded by the Buddhist priest Uijo
of Shinra period.,
<Bibliography> Ttangkkeut (southernmost end of Korean peninsula) (Haenam
guide map), Cheon Gi Cheol, Ttangkkeut Culture Publishing Co., Ltd., 1994. Haenam
(Cultural relic studies), Jeong Yun Seob, Hyangjisa, 1997.
- Daewungjeon
Daewungjeon has Dalma mountain as its
background. Its dancheongs have peeled off mostly, giving
a natural elegance rather than magnificence that makes the temple more antique.
Daewungjeon is a single-story gable house with 3 front rooms and 3 side rooms. Kidan
is piled up with Makdolhuteun piling, on top of it is the foundation stone of
Yeonhwamun, the pillars are center convexed Baehullim pillar. The Baehullim pillars,
which support the heavy roof, is a typical construction styel of early Joseon
dynasty, and it forms a beautiful symmetry with the gable roof.
One thing that draws your eyes in Daewungjeon is the fnoudation stone, on top
of which is carving of fish, crab, octopus, etc. The carved animal shapes seem
to have been formed as a result of a harmony between folk beliefs and Buddhism.
Such pattersn appear also on the Budo here, and thus you can see the unique
temple style of Mihwang Temple .
[Guaebul]
- Mihwang Temple Guaebul
Inside Daewungjeon, Mihwang
Temple¡¯s Guaebul is enshrined. Mihwang Temple¡¯s
Guaebul, understood as a miraculours wife of
god, was built in 1727 before the present Daewungjeon was repaired. It is a big
Guaebul about 10m big.
Guaebul is a large hanging mural that is
normally enshrined in the sermon hall and hung out when there is an outdoor mass.
It is said that in the old days there were many outdoor masses but they are
difficult to see these days.
This Guaebul has a myth that if you perform a ritual
during drought with the Guaebul
hung, it creates rain. They say that if you sprinkle the blood of a pig around
the temple and perform a service wholeheartedly, the heavenly god pours rain to
clean the area where his wife abodes.
Actually in 1992 when there was a serious drought, Mihwang Temple Guaebul enshrining ceremony was performed. Then
it rained, demonstrating its supernatural power.
Also
they say that if you light the Bulbong beacon on top of Dalma mountain, the
heavenly god showered the rain to prevent fire on the splendid mountain Dalma.
This beacon existed since long ago, and it received signal from Sukseung peak of Wando then sent signal to Gwandu
mountain of Hwasan-Myun.
Even now, when there is no rain, a rain ritual is held here. Such rain rituals
are common in folk belief, yet at Mihwang Temple it demonstrates
more integration of Buddhism and folk beliefs.
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