Banyasa Temple (Yeongdong)

A large stream flowing down from Baekhwasan Mountain wraps around the mountain ridge in a Taegeuk pattern, forming a lotus-shaped terrain, and Banyasa Temple is located at the center of the lotus. It is also known as a temple embracing a tiger, and is a thousand-year-old temple founded by Master Sangwon, one of the ten great disciples of Great Master Wonhyo, in the 27th year of King Seongdeok of Silla (728 AD). Later, in the 12th year of King Chungsuk of Goryeo (1325 AD), Great Master Hakjo repaired it, and in 1464 (the 10th year of King Sejo), it was greatly expanded with the king's permission. The exact construction date of Geungnakjeon Hall is unclear, but it has been recently repaired and painted, making it neat and modest. To the northeast rises Baekhwasan Mountain, and in the Seokcheon Valley flowing in front of the temple, there is a large stream about 50 meters wide with flat rocks, creating a scenic view of green waters and blue mountains at Manggyeongdae. It is said that when King Sejo visited Banyasa Temple after a Buddhist ceremony at Bokcheonam Hermitage of Beopjusa Temple in Songnisan Mountain, Manjushri's attendant boy appeared while the king was walking around the temple grounds and guided him to a nearby spring of good medicinal water, recommending a bath. After resting at Manggyeongdae following the boy's guidance, King Sejo left a writing commemorating the meeting with Manjushri's attendant boy, which is said to be still preserved. The temple's name, Banyasa, comes from the belief that Manjushri Bodhisattva resides around the temple, symbolizing Manjushri's wisdom (prajna). At Yeongdong Banyasa Temple, along with the tiger of Banyasa Temple at the foot of Baekhwasan Mountain, a crape myrtle tree over 500 years old is famous, and there is a three-story stone pagoda designated as a treasure within the temple grounds. The tiger-shaped rock formation behind the temple, resembling a tiger with its tail raised, is 80 meters high and 200 meters long, formed naturally over thousands of years by rock debris flowing down from the foot of Baekhwasan Mountain, blending with surrounding trees. Meanwhile, the three-story stone pagoda of Yeongdong Banyasa Temple, designated as a treasure, was originally located in Tapbeol of Seokcheon Valley north of the temple and was moved to its current location in 1950. Based on its overall style, it is estimated to have been built in the early Goryeo period, characterized by a blend of Baekje and Silla pagoda styles. Currently, Banyasa Temple operates various temple stay programs. It offers a comforting experiential temple stay for weary people and a restful Prajna (wisdom) temple stay to help find wisdom to comfort oneself.