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Templestay – Naksansa Temple (Yangyang, Gangwon-do)
Introduction to Temple Naksansa Temple is located in Yangyang, Gangwon-do. The name of the temple is in reference to “Botarakgasan,” which is the mythical mountain, Mt. Potalaka, where Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) is believed to reside. The temple was first founded in 671 A.D. by Uisang-daesa (625-702 A.D.) upon his return from Tang China (618–690, 705–907 A.D.). Throughout the years, Naksansa Temple has been destroyed by fire numerous times. The temple was first destroyed by the invading Mongols during the 13th century. Throughout the years, Naksansa Temple has been rebuilt and expanded numerous times including during the 15th and 17th centuries. Then in 1953, Naksansa Temple was destroyed during…
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Naksansa Temple – 낙산사 (Yangyang, Gangwon-do)
Temple History Naksansa Temple is located in Yangyang, Gangwon-do. The name of the temple, Naksansa Temple, is an abbreviation of “Botarakgasan.” The name “Naksan,” is in reference to Mt. Potalaka, which is a mythical mountain located in the seas south of India. It’s also believed to be where Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion in English, or Avalokiteśvara in Sanskrit) lives. Mt. Potalaka means “Brilliance,” in English. Gwanseeum-bosal is said to live on an island surrounded by the sea alongside guardian dragons under Mt. Potalaka. The temple was first founded in 671 A.D. by Uisang-daesa (625-702 A.D.) upon his return from Tang China. Uisang-daesa was an ambassador to Tang China for…