[Definition]

The main Buddha at the Daegwangmyeongjeon Hall of Bongguksa, a Buddhist temple located in Taepyeong-dong, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do

[Summary]

This wooden Amitabha is the main Buddha of the Daegwangmyeongjeon Hall of Bongguksa Temple, built in 1674 (15 year of King Hyeonjong's rule of Joseon). Amitabha Buddha is escorted by two attendant Buddhas, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha, placed respectively to his left and right. While the wooden Amitabha dates from the initial construction of the sanctuary where it is currently located, the two attendant Buddhas were created in 1993. The circumstances of the construction of this temple also provide support to the belief that Amitabha was the main Buddha of the Daegwangmyeongjeon Hall from the outset; Bongguksa is reported to have been erected to pray for the peaceful rest of two of King Hyeonjong's (1641-1674) daughters, who died as children.

[Description]

The Amitabha Buddha was gilded during a restoration work done to the temple in 1974 and no longer shows its natural wood grain. Donning a robe covering both shoulders, the statue stands 112cm tall and measures 76cm in width. According to some, its overall style corresponds to the style prevalent in late Joseon, the time of the creation of the statue. Others identify the sculptural techniques employed in this Buddha as those from the Goryeo Dynasty. As a general rule, Amitabha Buddhas are enshrined in Geungnakjeon ('Paradise Hall'), and Daegwangmyeongjeon is reserved for Vairocana Buddhas. It is, therefore, quite possible that the Daegwangmyeongjeon Hall of Bongguksa Temple was originally a Geungnakbojeon.