The Sarira Reliquary Set Deposited after the Repair of the Pagoda of Geumsansa Temple under Royal Patronage
Sarira Reliquaries from the Five-story Stone Pagoda of Geumsansa Temple
  • Joseon Dynasty, enshrined in 1492
  • Gilt bronze
  • Geumsansa Museum

Prince Deokwon-gun, a son of King Sejo, and over 10,000 Buddhist devotees together sponsored the project of depositing statuettes of Buddhas and bodhisattvas, a reliquary set, and records of renovation inside the five-story stone pagoda of Geumsansa Temple, Gimje after the completion of its repair project. The renovation of Geumsansa began in 1460 under the patronage of King Sejo. Records relay a story of miraculous occurrences that the disassembled pagoda discharged fragrant scents and a statue of the Buddha exuded sweat. Such miraculous occurrences were noted frequently for Buddhist projects sponsored by the royal house to reinforce the legitimacy of Buddhist undertakings in which the royal house was involved.