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Stone Seated Buddha in Mireukgok Valley of Namsan Mountain, Gyeongju

경주 남산 미륵곡 석조여래좌상 ( 慶州 南山 彌勒谷 石造如來坐像 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Stone Seated Buddha in Mireukgok Valley of Namsan Mountain, Gyeongju
Quantity 1 Buddha statue
Designated Date 1963.01.21
Age Unified Silla
Address San 66-2, Baeban-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do

This stone seated Buddha is located at a place believed to be the site of Borisa Temple. This statue has total height of 4.36 meters, with a 2.44-meter high statue of Buddha. Today, it is the best preserved statue among the statues from the Silla Dynasty on Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju. The usnisa (protuberance on top of Buddha's head), which is shaped like a topknot on top of the wavy hair, is placed on top of Buddha’s head. The round face has a gentle smile. The clothes worn by the statue of Buddha cover his shoulders and hang down loosely, with the folds engraved in parallel. The right hand is placed on the knee, and the left hand is on the belly, suggesting that it is of the hangmachokjiin gesture (right hand is hanging down and his left hand is resting on top of the knee), which means “to drive away evil spirits.” In addition, the mandorla (Buddhist halo of light) made separately with the statue is very decorative. It has small carvings of Buddhist images and fascinating carvings of Bosanghwa (imaginary flower mentioned in Buddhist scriptures) and vined patterns. Engraved in thin lines on the rear side of the mandorla is a Bhaisajyaguru Buddha, which is said to be able to cure all diseases. This form of mandorla is rare and is only seen in the mandorla placed in Mubongsa Temple in Miryang or at Kyungpook National University.