Master Daeji Stupa Stele at Samcheonsa Temple Site, Goyang

This stele stands at the former site of Samcheonsa Temple. Samcheonsa in Goyang was a temple set at a considerable height on the slopes of Bukhansan Mountain, said to have been founded by the Silla monk Wonhyo. Under King Hyeonjong of Goryeo it was an important temple linked to the royal family and to temples of the Beopsang school (a Buddhist sect centred on Yogācāra doctrine). Today the turtle-shaped pedestal (gwibu) and dragon-carved capstone (isu) of the Master Daeji Stupa Stele remain at the Samcheonsa temple site, while damaged fragments of the stele body itself are held in a museum. The pedestal survives in what appears to be its original position, set on a two-tiered foundation stone carved from the same stone as the pedestal. The turtle's four feet, each with sharply carved claws, are placed on the four sides, and wrinkle patterns are carved on the surface of the upright neck. The head is rounded, with the eyes and nose carved in, and a distinctive rake-like pattern appears behind the two ears. Around the outer edge of the shell a border band of even width has been marked out, its surface carved with a repeating wrinkle pattern. The shell pattern itself is rendered as hexagons using incised lines, and at its very centre the character 王 (king) is carved, suggesting that the stele commemorates an eminent monk connected with the royal house. On top of the pedestal a rectangular seat has been prepared for the stele body, but the body itself is damaged; the capstone remains in front of the pedestal. The capstone is carved over its entire surface with four dragons and clouds rendered in realistic detail, giving it a magnificent appearance. At the top of the capstone is a round base decorated with a lotus design, showing that a separately made jewel finial was once set upon it. The Master Daeji Stupa Stele is understood to have been erected between 1041 and 1050, its inscription composed by Yi Yeong-gan. It records the life and achievements of the monk Beopgyeong, who was active in the early Goryeo period, and was originally erected as a pair together with a stupa.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Goyang, Gyeonggi

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산