Dharani Pagoda in DPRK :: Weekly Blitz

Dharani pagoda is a stone establishment of temple. The Dharani scriptures, the Buddhist scriptures, were carved on the whole surface of the pillar.

Dharani pagodas were built in Pyongyang, Kaesong and Phihyon in the early years of the Koryo dynasty (918-1392).

Dharani pagoda, which is on display in the Myohyangsan History Museum as a national treasure, was built in the Puljong Temple in Songdong-ri, Phihyon County, North Phyongan Province, in 1027.

The pagoda is 5.94 metres high. Its platform consists of two stairs. On it are a pedestal stone, body stones, three-storeyed roofing stones and an auxiliary pillar. Planes of all stones except one stair of the platform, roofing stones, a body stone of second storey and the auxiliary pillar are hexagonal. The thick two-storeyed platform is carved with refined lotus patterns. Each face of the pedestal stone was vividly carved with a lion. The three-storeyed roofing stones have swelling hips. Angle rafters were slightly lifted to keep the balance and elaborateness. The body was made of two stones. Its joint has been perfect for more than 900 years.

As an excellent work of art whose formation is in harmony with sculpture, the pagoda reflects well high artistic aptitude of the Korean people.

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