Stupa for the Great Monk in the Ruined Place of Bowon-sa Temple
The monk’s stupa and the epitaph stood at the bottom of the hill.
As getting closer, I could notice the owner of this stupa must be a great monk at that time.
His name was Tanmun.
There are delicate relief on the surface of the body of the Stupa. But I could not realize what those relief meant exactly. It seemed 4 heaven kings for me.
Various animals were carved on the bottom of the stupa. In Korean Buddhism, those animals are the gods protecting Buddhism.
He had lived during Shilla and Goryeo dynasty.
It is said that this great monk had very close relationship with the Royal family of Goryeo dynasty.
Even though everything was destroyed in this temple, this stupa was preserved in perfect condition.
So I could see the typical style of the stupa made in Goryeo dynasty.
There was no other stupas but this monk’s.
The various ornament were carved in this stupa as below.
There was an epitaph next to the stupa.
It was preserved in perfect condition also.
There was delicate ornaments on the top of the epitaph.
The bottom was very unique. I’d like to compare this bottom statue of the turtle with other case.
Below are the turtle shape foundation for the epitaph I photographed.
Interesting as always!!
That statues so impressive and the stupa of that Monk is very well made so it should have been very important for members of the royal family! Thank you for sharing these pictures with us
@slowwalker,
I have never seen that turtle shape foundation! It's pretty amazing to see! I think that monk was a VIP! That's why he got that type of stupa! Nice photography and description! Those are rare to see and valuable blog posts to visitors who wish to visit Korea!
Cheers~
Wow the turtle ones look really impressive and beautiful. How did people had the time, patience and artery do this this stuff on the past???
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Classic and beautiful sculpture work. 🌈🦋🌴💛🍀
These are beautiful photographs. Thanks for sharing because it feels like you're taking us in your journey with you. Have a great day.
Wow wonderful views.Realy excellent photography.you are great traveler and photographer.I love you so much your travel
I love that turtle, he makes me think of the great A'tuin in the Terry Pratchett disc world novels. I love tortoise/turtle imagery as it, in it's essence, speaks of eternity and patient forevers.
That Turtle foundation is a great idea. Looks like you had a great trip
Amazing statues. All look very beautiful. I especially liked the statue of a turtle, erne its last but one photograph.