Jeokgwangjeon, the Supreme Buddha Hall, of Woljeongsa

[Visitor]

Is that the Supreme Buddha Hall?

[Curator]

Beyond the octagonal nine-story stone pagoda, Jeokgwangjeon, “The Supreme Buddha Hall,” enshrines the main host of the temple. It is quite large, with five panels of doors in the front and four on each side. Its eaves stretch high into the sky, and its octagonal roof is proudly decorated with various designs using Dancheong, which is a traditional type of multi-colored painting in red and blue.

[Visitor]

Is there any unique feature to the Supreme Buddha Hall?

[Curator]

Commonly, Vairochana Buddha, the Great Pervading Light of the Universe, is enshrined in the Supreme Buddha Hall. It symbolizes the realization of the Buddha, the principle of all things. However, this hall breaks that tradition, and enshrines the Sakyamuni Buddha, who created Buddhism. When it was being rebuilt in 1964, “Daeungjeon” was originally written on the hanging board. However, it was renamed to commemorate the foundation of Oadesan Mountain Monastery by Venerable Tanheo, a highly respected monk at that time. Also, the Avatamsaka Sutra, whose main theme is Vairochana Buddha, was the principle sutra behind the founding of this monastery. That is why it was renamed Jeokwangjeon, the Supreme Buddha Hall.