Stupa of Buddhist Monk Soyo at Yeongoksa Temple, Gurye

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.154

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

조선시대

Designated year

1963

Location

구례군, 전라남도— 전남 구례군 토지면 피아골로 806-16, 연곡사 (내동리) / (지번)전남 구례군 토지면 내동리 산54-1 연곡사

Coordinates

35.255231, 127.587024

Standing to the west of Yeongoksa Temple, this stupa enshrines the sarira of the Buddhist monk Soyo. Yeongoksa Temple was founded by Buddhist monk Yeongi during the Unified Silla Period, and was renowned for its practice of asceticism from the late Unified Silla Period to the early Goryeo Period. The stupa consists of a main body, which enshrines the sarira, a stylobate, and a finial. Each section (of the stupa) is octagonal in form, and the stylobate is divided into three layers, each of which is engraved with lotus patterns. It is unusual in that a thick supporting stone is laid on the stylobate to support its main body. Only one of the eight surfaces of the core stone of the main body is carved with an old Korean-style door; the rest are carved in relief with images of the Eight Divinities. A large flower ornament is decorated on each corner of the roof stone. The finial is relatively well preserved in its original condition. There are two more stupas besides this one at Yeongoksa Temple. Although it lacks formativeness compared to the other two stupas, each part of the stele is beautifully proportioned. According to the inscription on the main stone, the stupa was erected in 1650 (the 1st year of the reign of King Hyojong of the Joseon Dynasty).

Location