Hyeondeungsa Temple Hamheodangdeuktongtap and Stone Lantern

This is the sarira stupa of Great Master Hamheo, who rebuilt Hyeondeungsa Temple in 1411. It stands to the southwest, a short distance from the temple precinct, and takes the form of an octagonal, round-chamber-type stupa (budo). Since the Goryeo period, cremation sites for monks have typically been located to the west of the temple. On the front of the round tapering body, the name "Hamheodang Deuktongtap" is carved vertically in intaglio, in seal script. An octagonal base stone supports two further tiers of octagonal platform, so that overall the round body appears to rest on a three-tiered base. The roof stone (okgaeseok, the stone that caps a stone pagoda or lantern like a roof) has a steeply pitched octagonal form that runs straight to the eaves without any upward curve. In the finial, the lowest stone forms the base plate and inverted-bowl piece, while the wheel and jewel finial above are carved from a single stone. Master Hamheo passed away in 1433, and the stupa is thought to have been built not long afterwards, making it important material for studying the style of early Joseon stupas. In front of the stupa stands a very small stone lantern, 120cm in height. Such an arrangement, with a stone lantern placed before a stupa, is found in stupas from the late Goryeo to early Joseon period, and is thought to have been influenced by the "eternal-light lanterns" (jangmyeongdeung) erected before royal tombs and graves.

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Where it is

Region

Gapyeong, Gyeonggi

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산