나주시문화관광

Simhyangsa Temple is located on the foothills of Geumseongsan Mountain, and it’s been said that it was founded by Wonhyo during the Unified Silla Period. At the time of its founding, the temple was called Mireugwon, but it was renamed as Sinwangsa in 951 during the Joseon Dynasty and as Sinhwangsa later on. The reason Simhyangsa is so famous is that King Hyeonjogn took refuge in Naju during an invasion by the Georan troops in the second year of his reign, and prayers for peace to be restored in the nation were recited at this temple. Considering the fact that it used to be called Sinhwangsa, it might be possible that the king himself took part in the massive ceremony held to pray for national peace during his refuge. Sinhwangsa was later renamed as Simhyangsa, which is the present-day name of the temple. “Simhyang” is Gandharva, one of the eight guardians of the Buddha-Dharma, who only consumes scent as food. Mireukjeon, which is the main hall of the temple, collapsed during the monsoon season in August 1976, and it was restored in October 1977. During the restoration work, the Sangnyangmun (Buiding Erection Records) documented in 1789 was discovered, and it reads, “Sinhwangsayohwajeon.” From this, it could be inferred that the temple had been called Sinhwangsa, and that Mireukjeon had been called Yonghwajeon. When the main hall was reconstructed in 1982, it was renamed as Geungnakbojeon.