Stele of State Preceptor Hyeso at Chiljangsa Temple, Anseong

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.488

Category

Books & Records

Era

고려시대

Designated year

1968

Location

안성시, 경기도— 경기 안성시 죽산면 칠장로 399-18, 칠장사 경내 (칠장리) / (지번)안성시 죽산면 칠장리 762 칠장사 경내

Coordinates

37.026290, 127.396783

This stele was erected at Chiljangsa Temple to commemorate the life and achievements of State Preceptor Hyeso. He was born in 972, the 23rd year of the reign of the King Gwangjong of the Goryeo Dynasty, in Anseong. He became a Buddhist monk when he was 10 years old, and at the age of 17, he received teaching at Yungcheonsa Temple. He became widely revered while he was spending his last years at Chiljangsa. At present, the tortoise-shaped pedestal, the main body, and the ornamental top of the stele are placed separately. The two sides of the main body, which is made of black marble, are carved with long, vertical designs of two dragons showing excellent workmanship. The inscription on the stele records the life, achievements and virtue of Hyeso, and it exhibits characteristics of Goryeo calligraphy. The stele, constructed in 1060, the 14th year of the reign of King Munjong, has a legend. When Gato, a Japanese general, came to this Chiljangsa Temple during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, a old monk suddenly appeared and rebuked him for his faults, so Gato got mad and put the monk to the sword. However, the monk had already disappeared, and instead, the stele was cracked and bleeding. At this extraordinary scene, the general got scared and fled from the area. This legend is lent credence by the fact that the main body of the stele is divided in half.

Location