Have you ever heard of a golden frog? Legend whispers of one residing within the walls of Jijangam Hermitage. This small hermitage nestled within the grounds of Tongdosa Temple holds a remarkable history. It predates the temple itself dating back to before 646 CE. Monk Jajang-yulsa the temple’s founder is said to have built the original hermitage a simple hut beneath a rock.
Jajangam Hermitage wasn’t just any hermitage. It served as a pivotal location for the construction of Tongdosa Temple. It’s believed to have been the preparation area before the grand temple was built. The hermitage’s name Jajangam honors its founder. It was one of seven hermitages initially built on Tongdosa’s grounds.
The hermitage’s most captivating tale involves golden frogs. Two historical texts detail this remarkable legend. One mentions a small blue frog with golden lips inhabiting a hole in a nearby rock wall. This frog transforms into a butterfly then into a bee. It even hops across scorching rocks in summer. This remarkable creature never leaves the temple grounds. Another text describes Jajang-yulsa discovering golden frogs. They repeatedly returned to the hermitage. He then created a small hole for them to live in. This hole known as the Geumwangong or Golden Frog Hole is still there today.
Descendants of the original golden frog might still reside in that hole. It is said they only appear to those with strong faith. This golden frog is known as Geumwa-bosal the Golden Frog Bodhisattva.
Today Jijangam Hermitage stands as a testament to its rich history. While modest in size it is a place of spiritual significance. It houses important cultural artifacts like the Rock-Carved Amitabha Buddha Triad. This triad a National Registered Cultural Heritage dates back to 1896. The hermitage is a beautiful place with a tiny courtyard. There you’ll find a monks’ dorm a main hall and shrine halls. The murals on the main hall’s exterior are unique. Unlike others there are no typical Palsang-do or Shimu-do murals. There is instead a unique painting depicting Jajang-yulsa creating the hole for the golden frog.
Remember Jijangam Hermitage. Remember the legend of the golden frog. This small but significant hermitage is more than just a place of worship. It’s a repository of history legend and faith. It’s a treasure worth discovering.