A Sweaty Pilgrimage to Bomunsa Temple in Ganghwa Island
Hello, everyone! It's Sonyari here ☀️
Today I'm sharing my experience visiting Bomunsa Temple in Ganghwa, Incheon – a trip that left me drenched in sweat!
I visited Bomunsa at the perfect time, as it is considered auspicious to offer prayers, ancestral rites, and dedications during the intercalary month until August 22nd.
Located further inland than Jeondeungsa Temple, it requires crossing a bridge and venturing quite a bit further. Although it was a long journey, I felt invigorated by the energy of Manisan Mountain and uplifted by my prayers. Overall, it was a wonderful experience!
On the way to Bomunsa, I saw the ocean seemingly contained within the clouds... It's hard to capture in a photo, but seeing the sea cradled inside the clouds was truly beautiful and magical. ????☁️
The vibrant blue sea off the coast of Ganghwa was stunning. ????
Immediately upon exiting the parking lot, I was met with an incredibly steep slope...
I was offered a Korean sweet on the way up, which was so delicious that I bought a bag on my way down! ❣️
I almost forgot to bow at the Iljumun Gate, so I had to backtrack and offer my respects before continuing my ascent. ^^
The scorching sun combined with the insane incline meant I was already dripping with sweat.
I heard that the Yongwangjeon (Dragon King Shrine) was under construction before, but it's now complete. I made a quick stop before heading out. The view is absolutely breathtaking! ㅎㅅㅎ
I entered the Gwaneumjeon (Avalokitesvara Hall) and offered a heartfelt prayer to Buddha...
I was so incredibly hot that my entire body was soaked. ㅠ
In order to see the Buddha carved into the rock face, you have to climb all the way to the top...
So, I started climbing.
I enjoyed looking at the prayer lanterns filled with people's wishes. It was interesting that the lanterns displayed the day of birth according to the sexagenary cycle ( 경신생, 무인생, 임인생, etc.) instead of the zodiac year.
I sincerely hope that everyone's heartfelt wishes are fulfilled...
It was incredibly hot and exhausting, but seeing the Buddha at the summit, which offered no shade, gave me a strange feeling...
Tears welled up in my eyes as I walked up the path. I don't know why I always feel this way when I visit temples... ????
I paid my respects to Buddha and made my way back down safely.
Thankfully, I captured these amazing views along the way.
Bomunsa is perfectly situated with a mountain behind and water in front (배산임수). It feels like any prayer or wish made here is bound to come true. ㅎㅎㅎㅎ
When I visited temples with my mom as a child, I just tagged along without thinking...
But as I get older, I naturally find myself seeking solace in temples and earnestly praying to be free from illness...
Perhaps because it's located near the energetically potent Manisan Mountain, there seemed to be many shamans(?) visiting to offer prayers. I could feel the energy just walking by! ㅎㅎ
I also explored this fascinating place filled with colorful miniature Buddha statues.
And I prayed at the Gwaneumjeon, which houses a reclining Buddha statue! Strangely, the area was empty before we entered, but as soon as we started praying, people started flocking in... (Maybe I am a goblin?)
I touched the golden dragon egg in the Yongwangjeon, the Dragon King Shrine, as people were taking pictures. Click Click ㅋㅋㅋㅋ This is a recently made sculpture, so I don't think it carries any special meaning. ㅋㅋ
My old prayer beads recently broke, so my dad bought me a new set. I'll wear them diligently and hope that all my wishes come true...
Bomunsa Temple exploration complete! ????
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