Songgwangsa Temple Byeogamdang Hall Stupa

A stupa (budo) symbolises a monk's grave, housing the remains or relics of the deceased. This stupa is one of about ten stupas standing in the stupa field behind Daeungjeon Hall at Songgwangsa Temple, and it enshrines the relics of Great Master Byeogam, who was both the temple's abbot and a renowned leader of monk soldiers. It takes the form of a bell-shaped body stone set on a rounded base stone, topped with a square roof stone. The upper surface of the base stone is carved all around with a sixteen-petalled lotus pattern. The body stone is inscribed with the monk's pen name, Byeogamdang, clearly identifying its owner. The roof stone appears somewhat plain, but its four corners curve slightly upward, lending it a touch of lightness. At the top of the roof stone is a finial consisting of a small roof-shaped stone surmounted by a bud-shaped stone, showing excellent carving skill. Great Master Byeogam is said to have died at this temple in 1660, the first year of King Hyeonjong of Joseon, so the stupa is presumed to have been erected around that time. As a surviving record allows its date to be known precisely, and as it is also in good condition, it holds considerable value as a source of historical information.

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Where it is

Region

Wanju, Jeonbuk

Designation

Cultural Heritage Material · 문화유산자료