Daewonsa Dacheung Stone Pagoda, Sancheong

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1112

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

조선전기

Designated year

1992

Location

산청군, 경상남도— 경남 산청군 삼장면 유평리 1번지 대원사

Coordinates

35.356075, 127.806735

Situated in Jirisan Mountain, Daewonsa Temple is one of the most remarkable Buddhist meditation centers in Korea. This multi-story stone pagoda standing in front of the sarira hall has an eight-story body placed on a two-story platform, showing the partial finial ornament only, which is all that is left today. The most remarkable part of this pagoda is the top of the platform, which adopted the human statue additionally instead of the usual pillar at the side corner to support the pagoda body. The images of the Four Guardian Kings are carved on every side of the platform. The thick eaves of the roofstones are stretched slightly upward at the four corners. A wind-bell is hung under the eaves of the eight-story roofstone, as if it might ring to break the silence of the temple compound. This pagoda was originally built by Jajang, a famous Buddhist Monk of Silla, but was destroyed during the Japanese invasion in the late 16th century before it was rebuilt in 1784 (eighth year of the reign of King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty). It was built with excellent balance of scale and simple carvings. According to an oral tradition, strong fragrance from the pagoda filled the temple compound when the nation has a happy event. In addition, those who have a clean spirit are said to be able to see the sarira enshrined in the pagoda by the reflection on the surface of the nearby pond.

Location