East Stupa of Borimsa Temple, Jangheung

Borimsa Temple was the central temple of the Gajisan school, the first of the Nine Mountain Schools of Seon Buddhism established during the Unified Silla period, and was founded by the monk Chejing in the fourth year of King Heonan (860) at the king's suggestion. The East Stupa is considered the finest of the several stupas standing in the woods to the east of Borimsa Temple. Centred on the body stone that holds the sari, the relics of the monk, it has a three-tiered base below and a finial on top, each part cut into an octagonal shape. On the bottom and top tiers of the three-tiered base, eight lotus petals are carved around the circumference, with a floral ornament at each corner, while a low octagonal pillar is placed in the middle tier. The body stone has a door-shaped carving with a lock on only one side, and the roof stone is comparatively narrow and low. The finial at the top has a round pillar set in the middle, decorated separately above and below, showing as much careful attention to detail as it does completeness. Overall, the upper part of the body stone is tall, while the middle support stone of the base is small and low, giving a somewhat unstable impression. Its well-ordered structure stands out, and the fact that the finial survives intact adds to the value of this stupa. Although made in the late Unified Silla period, it displays characteristics of the early Goryeo period, making it valuable material for the study of stupas.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jangheung, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물