Hwajangsa Temple Jigong Stupa

NORTH KOREA, North Hwanghae, Kaesong

Master Jigong was an Indian monk whose Sanskrit name was Dhyanabhadra. This stupa, which is dedicated to him, is located on the east side of the Judgment Hall within Hwajangsa Temple. It was built in 1370 during the Goryeo dynasty. It is believed to have been built by Master Jigong’s disciples, including Naong, who studied under Master Jigong when they were in China. The stupa is listed as National Treasure No. 134.
The stupa is made of granite and is 1.9 m high. The base consists of three layers: the two lower octagonal layers are unadorned while the third upper layer is decorated with a sixteen-petal lotus, inside which there are additional embellishments. The bell-shaped body has an inscription on the south side. The top part of the body is decorated with two layers of inverted lotuses. The spire consists of a lotus bud, three stacked rings, a circular canopy, and a jewel.
The teachings of Master Jigong were passed to Master Naong, and then transmitted to Master Muhak during the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). The similarity between this stupa and the funerary stupa of Master Naong at Silleuksa Temple shows the evolution of stupas in Korea.