황룡사 迦葉佛宴坐石 考

Abstract

This study examines the substance of Gaseopbul Yeonjwaseok, which appeared in the first chapter of Tapsang in 『Samgukyusa』and solves various problems that were suggested about construction of Hwangryongsa. First, on the construction regarding Gaseopbul Yeonjwaseok, investigation and excavation found out that Hwangryongsa was a Buddhist temple with one pagoda and three main buildings of the temple. In 『Samgukyusa』 , it was written that Gaseopbul Yeonjwaseok was located at the back of the Buddhist temple. However, restoration details found by investigation identified that Yeonjwaseok was in the eastern side of the main building of the temple. This fact can become an evidence that dispels negative perspectives on calling building sites located in the east and west of central main buildings of Hwangryongsa main buildings of the temple. In addition, records from『Samgukyusa』, restoration records of 9-story wooden pagoda and Sari Reliquary analysis identified that the square pedestal of wooden pagoda site that were assumed to be either Gaseupbul Yeonjwaseok or a base of central pillar was Jinhoseok(鎭護石), which was set up to protect Sari case after the wooden pagoda was burnt due to attack from Mongolia in the 16th year(1238) of King Gojong reign in Goryeo dynasty. Recently, it was identified that the stone pedestals for the Buddha Triad on Hwangryongsa site and the central foundation stone on the wooden pagoda site were made from a dolmen. Remains under the dolmen found by excavation in Bunhwangsa district showed that there were dolmens of the Bronze Age in Hwangryongsa area. Judging by these circumstances, the forms of Gaseopbul Yeonjwaseok in『Samgukyusa』 must be the description of a standing stone(立石). Therefore, the substance of Gaseopbul Yeonjwaseok, which was the symbol of the sacred place even before Hwangyrongsa was constructed, is a standing stone. Such interpretation supports the existing point of view that seven Buddhist temples of Shilla dynasty including Hwangryongsa were constructed in the sacred region of ancient religions.