합천 海印寺 三層石塔에 관한 고찰

Abstract

Located in Mt. Gaya in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do, Haeinsa is well known as a head temple of Korea representing the Buddhist teachings, which houses the Tripitaka Koreana and Janggyeong Panjeon (depository of the Tripitaka Koreana). Established in 802, the 3rd year of Silla King Aejang, by Rev. Suneung and Yi Jeong under the royal sponsorship, Haeinsa temple is presumed to have occupied a status as one of the most valuable Buddhist sanctuaries through Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. Even today, the temple retains its reputation as a religious institution as well as a Buddhist cultural property of the highest values. The three-storied stone pagoda of Haeinsa is located at the lower part of the precinct of the temple’s main hall, Daejeokgwangjeon (Hall of Great Silence and Light), and presumed to have undergone restoration twice, at least. Judging by the stylistic characteristics of the pagoda, historical records of its restoration and the pictures taken before and after its restoration during the Japanese colonial era, the pagoda is confirmed to have been set up at the same time when the temple was built. One of the stylistic traits of the three-storied pagoda is the triple-stepped platform, a variation of the typical shape of Silla’s stone pagodas. The historical background of the pagoda with triple-stepped platform and its symbolic meaning can be found in Mugu Jeonggwang Daedaranigyeong (Great Dharani Sutra of Immaculate and Pure Light), which used to be a basic Buddhist scripture during the late Silla dynasty. There is also a possibility that the political situation around the 9th century had an influence upon the establishment of the temple and pagoda. It is not probable that the pagoda with triple-stepped platform was a popular style, but the style which appeared in the late Silla synasty is presumed to have given influence upon the stone pagodas with heightened base stones, built in the late Silla and early Goryeo dynasties.