Guardian Gate of Ssanggyesa Temple, Hadong

Ssanggyesa Temple stands on the southern slopes of Jirisan Mountain. It was built by the monk Samban in 723, the twenty-third year of King Seongdeok of Unified Silla, and rebuilt by the State Preceptor Jingam in 840, the second year of King Munseong. Originally named Okcheonsa Temple, it was renamed Ssanggyesa during the reign of King Jeonggang (886–887). After it burned down during the Japanese invasions, the monk Byeogam rebuilt it in 1632, the tenth year of King Injo of Joseon, giving the temple its present form. The Guardian Gate of Ssanggyesa Temple was built in 1704, the thirtieth year of King Sukjong, by the monk Bakbong, and repaired in 1825, the twenty-fifth year of King Sunjo. The present building was restored again in 1978 by the monk Gosan. The gate houses the Four Heavenly Kings, four guardian deities who rely on the Buddha to protect the Buddhist Law and to aid monks in their practice and virtuous people generally. They are Jiguk, who rules the eastern quarter, Gwangmok of the west, Jeungjang of the south, and Damun, who rules the north. The building measures three bays across the front and two bays along the side, with a gabled roof whose side profile resembles the character 人. The central bay is left open as a passageway, while the two flanking bays are enclosed by walls and house the statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. These wooden statues are carved with outstanding skill. The Guardian Gate is more solidly and sturdily built than a Geumgangmun, or Vajra Gate, and although it ranks somewhat higher in status, it displays an architectural style very similar to that of a Geumgangmun.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Hadong, Gyeongnam

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산