Four Lion Nine-story Stone Pagoda at Sajabinsinsa Temple Site, Jecheon

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.94

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

고려 현종 13년(1022)

Designated year

1963

Location

제천시, 충청북도— 충북 제천시 한수면 송계리 1002-1번지

Coordinates

36.857327, 128.083275

Located at the ancient Sajabinsinsa Temple site, this pagoda consists of a two-layered stylobate, four-storied main body, and roof stones. According to the inscription on the lower layer of the stylobate, this pagoda was erected in 1022 (the 13th year of the reign of King Hyeonjong of the Goryeo Dynasty). The pagoda features a unique design consisting of four stone lions supporting the main body at each corner of the base. The seated statue of the Vairocana Buddha encircled by the four stone lions is the most characteristic part of this pagoda. It is one of several pagodas modelled on the Four Lion Three-story Stone Pagoda of Hwaeomsa Temple, Gurye (National Treasure No. 35) of the Unified Silla period. Although only the roof stones up to the fourth story of the pagoda remain, the inscription written on the lower layer of the stylobate indicates that the pagoda was originally a nine-story structure. As the exact construction date of the pagoda is known, it is used as a standard for ascertaining the construction dates of other stone pagodas.

Location