Rock-carved Buddhas of Sinseonsa Temple in Danseoksan Mountain, Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.199

Category

Sculpture

Era

신라시대

Designated year

1979

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경북 경주시 건천읍 단석산길 175-143 (송선리)

Coordinates

35.796818, 129.081943

The huge stone wall in the middle of Danseoksan Mountain, Gyeongju, Gyeongsang-do Province, forms a stone chamber in the shape of 'ㄷ'. Originally, it was made as a stone for Buddhist sanction after putting the roof on it. Ten Bodhisattva and Buddha images are carved on the walls of the stone cavern. In addition to these, there is an additional carving of a standing Bodhisattva 8.2 meters high, on another rock to the northeast. Its round face wears a benign smile with a twofold small protrusion above its head. The robe, gently covering both of the shoulders has U-shaped folds while the exposed chest was carved of a knot. Its right hand with palm facing the front is raised up to the shoulders, with the tip of the left hand also facing the front but reaching down to the ground. A 6-meter high Bodhisattva image is carved on the eastern surface of the rock. Its left hand is rested on the chest, with the right hand holding a treasure bottle in front of the body. Although it was not clear whether a Bodhisattva was carved on the northern surface of the rock, because it was seriously worn away, this Bodhisattva in a combination with other two Bodhisattvas presented a triad. On the east side of this Bodhisattva, 400 women wrote some great passage saying 'We carved a Maitreya Bodhisattva and two wise men in Sinseon Mountain.' On the northern surface of the rock, 7 Buddha statues, Bodhisattva and portrait were gently carved. Beyond that, a standing Buddha, a standing Bodhisattva, a standing Buddha and a half-seated Bodhisattva pensive are placed in the order from the left. Except for the Bodhisattva with a pensive look, they’re a unique posture with their left hand pointing to the east as if they’re trying to guide you to the principle Bodhisattva. At the bottom, two worshippers of Buddha with a hat that is shaped like a Korean sock and with a monk are carved. They offered important information to learn the style of Silla people. Showing the style in the early years of the 7th century, the image of Buddha had been a great historical significance, since it represented the original stone carven temple in Korea, and had offered great information to understand the people's belief during that time.

Location