Sinheungsa Temple (Sangju)

About this place

Sinheungsa Temple in Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do was founded in 1925 by the Bodhisattva practitioner Kim Gyo-sun (dharma name: Annaenghaeng). Within the temple grounds there is a stele and stupa from 1970 recording the history of Kim Gyo-sun. According to the stele inscription, Kim Gyo-sun was born in 1881 in Yecheon, Gyeongbuk, received the Bodhisattva precepts from Zen Master Yongheo at Boeun Songnisan in 1901, and was given the dharma name Annaenghaeng. After founding Sinheungsa, she completed the construction of the Four Heavenly Kings Gate, the Hall of Seven Stars, the Medicine Hall, and the Main Hall. In 1926, she was implicated in the so-called 'Chrysanthemum Crest Incident' (using the chrysanthemum pattern reserved for the Japanese emperor on lattice windows) and was incarcerated at the Daegu court, where she undertook a 20-day fasting prayer that astonished Japanese police officials. The following year, after her release, she devoted herself to saving sentient beings through prayer and meditation. Sinheungsa has a seated Medicine Buddha, paintings, and two folk paintings, with a uniquely simple and modest decorative pattern distinct from ordinary temples.