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Chilbulsa Temple – 칠불사 (Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do)
Temple History Chilbulsa Temple is located in northern Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do in Jirisan National Park. Chilbulsa Temple, which means “Seven Buddhas Temple” in English, is a reference to the founding of the temple. According to this foundational legend, the seven sons of King Suro (42?-199 A.D.), who was the legendary founder of Geumgwan Gaya (43-532 A.D.), all attained enlightenment. According to this legend, the seven sons were guided by their uncle, Jangyu-seonsa, for two years until they all reached enlightenment. Rather interestingly, the monk Jangyu-seonsa, who instructed the seven princes, was also the brother to Queen Heo (32 A.D. – 189 A.D.), who was the wife of King Suro. Purportedly, this…