Stupa of Buddhist Monk Sucheol at Silsangsa Temple, Namwon

This stupa stands to the right of Geungnakjeon Hall as one faces it, within the grounds of Silsangsa Temple; it is a stupa enshrining the sari, or relics, of the monk Sucheol. The monk Sucheol (815–893) was a monk of the late Silla period. He originally resided at Simwonsa Temple before later entering Silsangsa Temple, where he became its second founding patriarch. He passed away in 893, the seventh year of Queen Jinseong's reign, whereupon the queen bestowed on him the posthumous title 'Master Sucheol' and named his stupa 'Neunggabowol'. The stupa is built on the octagonal plan typical of Silla stone stupas, its form octagonal throughout, from the base stone at the very bottom to the roof. The lower stone of the foundation is carved with clouds, dragons and lions, though these are badly worn. The upper stone of the foundation is encircled with a triple band of raised lotus-petal design. The body of the stupa has pillar shapes carved at each of its eight corners, and each face bears a carving of a door and of the Four Heavenly Kings. The roof stone is thin, with a gentle slope; the eaves form a light curve carved with rafters. The sloping surfaces of the roof are marked with roof-tile ridges, and even the end-tiles are represented, faithfully imitating the roof style of wooden architecture. At the top, several tiers remain, above which only a small round stone survives; the rest is lost. A memorial stele stands beside the stupa, from which the identity of the stupa's occupant and other related details can be learned. According to the inscription, the monk Sucheol is presumed to have passed away in 893, the seventh year of Queen Jinseong's reign, and the stupa is thought to have been erected around that time.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Namwon, Jeonbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물