Lost in thought, consider this: Tongdosa Temple stands as Korea’s largest temple a testament to history spirituality and architectural uniqueness. Founded in 646 AD by the monk Jajang-yulsa Tongdosa also means Passing Through to Enlightenment Temple. It enshrines relics of Sakyamuni the historical Buddha. Jajang brought these back from Tang China.
Tongdosa Temple is special. It is revered as one of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea. Haeinsa Temple and Songgwangsa Temple are the other two. This makes it a significant spiritual site.
Legend says that nine malevolent dragons once lived near Tongdosa Temple. Jajang-yulsa tried to expel them. When they refused to leave he inscribed the Chinese character for fire on paper. He threw it skyward. He struck the pond with his stick. The water boiled intensely.
Three dragons crashed into a cliff now called Yonghyeolam dragon blood rock as they fled. Five more dragons fled southwest to Oryonggok five dragon valley. The ninth dragon begged for mercy. He promised to protect Tongdosa Temple. Jajang-yulsa spared him. The blind dragon became Tongdosa’s guardian. Today Nine Dragons Pond Guryongji sits by the main hall. It reminds us of this legend.
Tongdosa Temple does not have Buddha statues outside. Instead courtyards surround pagodas housing Buddha’s relics. These relics include a sari a begging bowl and a bone from his skull.
During the Goryeo Dynasty Buddhism flourished. Tongdosa Temple housed thousands of monks. It had hundreds of buildings.
Tongdosa Temple faces north to south. A stream flows east to west. This alignment is unique. The temple complex houses around 500 monks and nuns. It has 17 hermitages. Tongdosa Temple survived the Japanese invasion. It was rebuilt in the 17th century.
Walk the kilometer-long trail to the temple. Forests and streams flank the path. See steles and monuments dedicated to monks. Visit the Tongdosa museum. It displays ancient and modern Buddhist paintings.
Cross the Three Arch Bridge Samseongbanwol also called One Mind Bridge. Pass through the gate of the Four Heavenly Kings. Enter the main temple area. See old halls housing stupas with Sakyamuni’s relics.
The main hall lacks a Buddha statue. Instead a cushion and window overlook the Diamond Altar Geumgang Gyedan. Tongdosa Temple hosts annual events. These include the Boddhisattva precepts ceremony and Buddha’s Birthday celebrations.
Tongdosa Temple holds one National Treasure the Daeung-jeon Hall. It also has 18 Korean Treasures. Eleven are in the Tongdosa Museum. The rest are on the temple grounds. Tongdosa Temple played a role in propagating propaganda during Colonial rule.
Remember Tongdosa Temple when you travel. Its history relics and serene layout make it special.