Exploring Nungasa Temple in Ham-an
Hello.
Today, I would like to introduce a beautiful spot in Ham-an, located in the Chilsseo-myeon area of Ham-an County. It is the Nungasa Temple, quietly situated on a cliff overlooking the Nakdong River.
While it may not be extravagant, the scenery alone makes you want to linger here.
Nungasa Temple
Location: 107 Gyeonae 1-gil, Chilsseo-myeon, Ham-an, Gyeongsangnam-do
Nungasa Temple, unlike many deep mountain temples, has an open view, and from the front of the main hall, you can see the Nakdong River and the Namji Bridge at a glance. It is a space where just gazing at the landscape calms the heart.
Nungasa Temple was established in the early 1900s and is currently a branch of Haeinsa, the head temple of the 12th district of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order. This temple feels more serene than ornate, and tranquility prevails over complexity.
At the entrance of the temple, you will always find a smiling statue of the Bodhisattva of Happiness and a stone statue of the Medicine Buddha gazing at the river. Inside the main hall, there is a Nungasa Chilseong painting, designated as a cultural heritage of Gyeongsangnam-do, allowing visitors to feel its historical significance even within this small temple.
This is a great place to walk slowly and spend time enjoying the scenery. It provides a perfect space for quiet travel and contemplation without any special plans.
Now, let's take a leisurely tour of Nungasa Temple!
Instead of the usual entrance gate found in temples, you will see two stone pillars called Seokju. Passing between these pillars signifies entering the world of Buddha away from the secular world.
To the right after passing the stone pillars, there is a large stone statue of the Medicine Buddha. This compassionate figure is known for healing the ailments of sentient beings and ensuring health and well-being.
Below the Medicine Buddha, there are small and cute dolls representing various Buddhas and monks, adding a friendly touch to the atmosphere.
No discussion of Nungasa Temple would be complete without mentioning the Chilseong painting. This Buddhist painting, located inside the main hall, is created using ink and colored pigments on a silk background.
As we pass the Medicine Buddha, there is a historical monument detailing the history of Nungasa. Between 1984 and 1986, the main hall and the Avalokiteshvara Hall were expanded, and a new dormitory was completed in 1995. The stone statue of the Medicine Buddha at the entrance was enshrined in 1999.
Next to the historical monument is the statue of the Bodhisattva of Happiness, a figure known for bringing joy and luck to visitors.
Across from this statue is the bell tower housing a large bell. Below the bell tower, there are small Buddha statues, and on cold days, seeing visitors in warm hats and scarves brings warmth to the heart.
Now, let's explore the temple buildings. The building directly in front is the dormitory where the monks live. If you turn right around the dormitory and go up the stairs, you will find the Avalokiteshvara Hall and the main hall.
First, we visit the Avalokiteshvara Hall, where prayers and offerings are made to the Bodhisattva of Compassion.
Passing through the Avalokiteshvara Hall, we arrive at the main hall, which houses the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. This is a space where many devotees come to pray.
Inside the main hall, along with Shakyamuni Buddha, there are other Bodhisattvas, including Manjushri and Samantabhadra.
On the left, you can see the Chilseong painting. Visitors can sit on the cushions provided at the entrance of the main hall to offer their prayers. Although I do not follow any religion, standing in front of the Buddha statues brings me a sense of peace.
Nungasa Temple, not located deep in the mountains like many other temples, offers a beautiful view of the Nakdong River and the Namji Bridge. This accessibility makes it a great place to visit in winter.
Walking around Nungasa Temple, you will understand why it is a famous temple when viewed from the bridge above.
The view of Nungasa Temple on the cliff above the Nakdong River is truly breathtaking.
There are also pleasant trekking courses around Nungasa, making it a perfect place to visit in winter.
If you are looking for a serene temple to visit in Ham-an, I highly recommend Nungasa Temple as a place to spend time in a quiet landscape.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/arahaman/224161525625
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