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Ssangbongsa Temple Cheolgam Stupa
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Ssangbongsa Temple Cheolgam Stupa
SOUTH KOREA, South Jeolla, Hwasun
The stupa is located in Ssangbongsa (Twin Peaks Temple). This funerary stupa was built in 868 during the Unified Silla dynasty. It was listed as National Treasure No. 57 in 1962.
The octagonal stupa is 2.3 m high and is made of granite. The multi-layer base is elaborately carved with clouds, lions, upright lotuses, kalavinka, and inverted lotuses. On the octagonal body there are round pilasters forming panels, on which there are alternate reliefs of Heavenly Kings and apsaras. The octagonal pyramidal roof is carved with corrugated tiles. There are two sets of eaves, beneath which there are reliefs of apsaras.
Next to the stupa, there used to be a stele standing on the back of a turtle with a dragon’s head. The stele no longer exists, leaving just the turtle and two-layer stele base, on which there are numerous intricate carvings of clouds and lotus petals. |
