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Rock-carved Seated Bodhisattva Triad in Nangsan Mountain, Gyeongju

경주 낭산 마애보살삼존좌상 ( 慶州 狼山 磨崖菩薩三尊坐像 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Rock-carved Seated Bodhisattva Triad in Nangsan Mountain, Gyeongju
Quantity 1 Buddha statue
Designated Date 1980.06.11
Age Unified Silla
Address San 18-3, Baeban-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The Bodhisattva triad is carved on a rock at the western foot of Nangsan Mountain in Gyeongju. It has a rough surface and is seriously cracked. There is the principal Buddha with a brilliant head and body in the middle and attendants on each side. The principal Buddha wears a hempen hood and a robe similar to that of a monk wrapping both shoulders. This is like the appearance of the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva discovered in a Buddhist painting from Goryeo and it seems to have persisted into the contemporary style. Both attendants are armored and keep a distance from the principal Buddha. The left one has a sword in the right hand and the right one holds a weapon in both hands, which seems to have signified the guardian deity exorcising evil spirits. The carving is believed to have been made in the Unified Silla period, based on the carving skills and the fact that Neungji Pagoda, which is said to have been the crematory site of King Munmu of Silla, is nearby.