Stupa of Buddhist Monk Haeryeon at Yumasa Temple, Hwasun

This is a stupa (seungtap) enshrining the remains or sari (relics) of a Buddhist monk. It originally stood in a valley called Budogol, near the entrance to Yumasa Temple, but after being damaged by grave robbers and left neglected, villagers moved it to its present location in 1981. It is a typical octagonal reliquary stupa, with the body of the stupa set on a tall, elaborately constructed pedestal. A wide base stone was laid, its lower face lightly carved with ansang (arch-shaped niche motifs), and above it a lower support stone decorated with lotus flowers was placed. Flower patterns project skilfully at each corner. The middle support stone is likewise carved with a large ansang, and the upper support stone is encircled with a large lotus design. The body stone bears carved door shapes with door rings on the front and back faces, and above the door on the front an inscription reading 'Haeryeonjitap' ('Stupa of Haeryeon') is carved. The roof stone has a wide, three-tiered support at its base, while at the top, thick ridge lines project at each corner, ending in projecting flower motifs. The finial no longer survives, but judging from the construction techniques of each part, the overall proportions, the decoration of the pedestal, and the carving styles of the body and roof stones, the stupa is presumed to have been made in the early Goryeo period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Hwasun, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물