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Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa is located on the slopes of Mount Toham (Jinheon-dong, Gyeongju city, North Gyeongsang province, South Korea). It is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and encompasses six National treasures of South Korea, including the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha.

The temple is considered as a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla kingdom. It is currently the head temple of the 11th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

Bulguksa Guide map.
The temple is located on the slopes of Tohamsan, in Jinheon-dong, Gyeongju. Gyeongju National Park is located in the province of Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, and is the country's only historical national park.

  • The park covers many of the principal Silla historical sites in Gyeongju City.
  • It is divided into several non-contiguous sections: Gumisan and Danseoksan sections to the west of the city center; Hwarang, Seo-ak, Sogeumgang, and Namsan sections in the heart of Gyeongju; Tohamsan section to the east, and Daebon section on the coast of the Sea of Japan (East Sea).
  • See more at Gyeongju National Park - Wikipedia.

One-Pillar Gate (Iljumun).
The first gate to the temple, Iljumun, is called the One-Pillar Gate because when viewed from the side the gate appears to be supported by a single pillar.

  • This symbolizes the support of the world and the one true path of enlightenment.
  • Iljumun is the boundary between the spiritual world and the secular world.

Small pond with bridge.
The crossing over the bridge symbolizes the journey between the mortal world into the afterlife, and the cleansing of one’s worldly burdens that follow. Through this journey, the individual experiences a symbolic sense of purity, inner peace and a unity with nature.

  • With the rising influence of Zen, crossing the bridge was also interpreted in a broader spiritual sense that placed more emphasis upon the journey between the world of man and the world of nature.

Gate of the Four Heavenly Kings.
The following gate is the Gate of the Guardians of the Four Directions or Four Heavenly Kings, each of whom watches over one cardinal direction.

  • They are the protectors of the world and fighters of evil, each able to command a legion of supernatural creatures to protect the Dharma (Buddhist teachings).
  • See more at Four Heavenly Kings - Wikipedia.

Vaisravana (Kubera), he who hears everything.
This is the chief of the four kings and protector of the north. He is the ruler of rain. His symbolic weapons are the umbrella or pagoda. Wearing heavy armor and carrying the umbrella in his right hand, he is often associated with the ancient Sri Lankan god of wealth, Kubera.


Virudhaka, he who causes to grow.
King of the south and one who causes good growth of roots. He is the ruler of the wind. His symbolic weapon is the sword which he carries in his right hand to protect the Dharma and the southern continent.


Dhrtarastra, he who upholds the realm.
King of the east and god of music. His symbolic weapon is the pipa (stringed instrument). He is harmonious and compassionate and protects all beings. Uses his music to convert others to Buddhism.


Virupaksa, he who sees all.
King of the west and one who sees all. His symbolic weapon is a snake or red cord that is representative of a dragon. As the eye in the sky, he sees people who do not believe in Buddhism and converts them. His ancient name means "he who has broad objectives".


Hall of Paradise (Geungnakjeon) and Hall of Great Enlightenment (Daeungjeon).
The large temple site is centred on two courts. One of the courts (right) is centred on Daeungjeon, the hall which houses the Shakyamuni Buddha. The other (left) is centred on Geungnakjeon, the hall of paradise where the Seven Treasure Bridge Chilbogyo is housed.


Blue Cloud Bridge and White Cloud Bridge (top) and Lotus Flower Bridge and Seven Treasures Bridge (bottom).

  • The Blue Cloud Bridge (Cheongungyo) and White Cloud Bridge (Baegungyo) of Bulguksa Temple are two bridges that are a part of a stairway that leads to the temple. The bridges were probably built in 750 during the reign of King Gyeongdeok. Although built separately, they are designated together as one single national treasure. The Blue Cloud Bridge makes up the upper span of the stair while the White Cloud Bridge is the lower part. The bridges lead to the Golden Purple Gate (Jahamun) which leads to Sakyamuni Hall. There are 34 steps on the stairway, which slopes at a 30 degree angle. The upper Blue Cloud Bridge has sixteen steps while the lower White Cloud Bridge has eighteen.
  • The Lotus Flower Bridge (Yeonhwagyo) and Seven Treasures Bridge (Chilbogyo) are a pair of bridges at Bulguksa. The bridge lead to the Peace Enhancing Gate (Anyangmun) leading to the Hall of the Pure Land (Geuknakjeon). These pair of bridges share the 45 degree incline, arch underneath, and the combination bridge/staircase design of their brother bridges. However, one noticeable difference is that this bridge is smaller. The lower Lotus Flower Bridge has 10 steps while the upper Seven Treasures Bridge contains 8 steps. This bridge is on the west in relation to the Blue Cloud and White Cloud Bridges. The Lotus Flower Bridge is known for its delicate carvings of Lotus Flowers on each step but these have faded with the weight of many pilgrims.

Blue Cloud Bridge and White Cloud Bridge.
The Blue Cloud Bridge (Cheongungyo) and White Cloud Bridge (Baegungyo) of Bulguksa Temple are two bridges that are a part of a stairway that leads to the temple.

  • The bridges were probably built in 750 during the reign of King Gyeongdeok.
  • The Blue Cloud Bridge makes up the upper span of the stair while the White Cloud Bridge is the lower part.
  • The bridges lead to the Golden Purple Gate (Jahamun) which leads to Sakyamuni Hall.
  • There are 34 steps on the stairway, which slopes at a 30 degree angle.
  • The upper Blue Cloud Bridge has sixteen steps while the lower White Cloud Bridge has eighteen.

Many Treasure Pagoda (Dabotap).
Many Treasure Pagoda (Dabotap) is 10.4 meters tall and dedicated to the Many Treasures Buddha mentioned in the Lotus Sutra.

  • In contrast to Seokgatap, the Many Treasure Pagoda (Dabotap) is known for its highly ornate structure.
  • Its image is reproduced on the South Korean 10 won coin.

Three-story Pagoda (Seokgatap).
The three-story Seokgatap (Sakyamuni Pagoda) which stands at 8.2 meters is a traditional Korean-style stone pagoda with simple lines and minimal detailing.

  • Seokgatap is over 13 centuries old.

Hall of Great Enlightenment (Daeungjeon).
Daeungjeon, the Hall of Great Enlightenment, is the main hall.


Inside the Hall of Great Enlightenment (Daeungjeon).
The Hall of Great Enlightenment (Daeungjeon) enshrines the Sakyamuni Buddha and was first built in 681.

  • Gautama is the family name of the historical Buddha, also known as Sakyamuni Buddha. In Pali literature, he is more commonly referred to as Gotama Buddha; in Mahayana texts, Sakyamuni Buddha is more common.
  • Siddhartha Gautama, most commonly referred to as the Buddha ("the awakened"), was a wandering ascetic and religious teacher who lived in South Asia during the 6th or 5th century BCE and founded Buddhism.
  • See more at The Buddha - Wikipedia.

The Lotus Flower Bridge (Yeonhwagyo) and Seven Treasures Bridge (Chilbogyo).
The bridge lead to the Peace Enhancing Gate (Anyangmun) leading to the Hall of the Pure Land (Geuknakjeon).


Hall of Supreme Bliss (Geuknakjeon).
The Hall of Supreme Bliss (Geuknakjeon), standing near the main compound, houses the gilt-bronze buddha that is the national treasure No.27.


Inside the Hall of Supreme Bliss (Geuknakjeon).
The seated gilt-bronze Amitabha Buddha statue of Bulguksa Temple is National Treasure No.27.

  • The Amitabha Buddha statue is 1.66 meters in height and enshrined in the Hall of Supreme Bliss (Geuknakjeon).
  • This gilt-bronze statue was probably cast in the late 8th or early part of the 9th century and it shares the style of National Treasure No.26.
  • The head of the statue is made by fixing two shell-like pieces together. The face has a distinctively aquiline nose.
  • The Buddha has broad shoulders and strong chest while the large lap gives the figure a sense of proportional harmony and stability.
  • The style of the robe seems to be more stylized and haphazard.
  • The position of the left hand raised at shoulder-level palm forward and the right hand is placed at the lap.
  • The style of the Buddha seems to follow an abstract and stylized tradition rather than a representation of realism.

Hall of No Words (Museoljeon).
Behind the Hall of Great Enlightenment (Daeungjeon) stands Museoljeon, the Hall of No Words.

  • This hall gets its name from the belief that Buddha's teachings could not be taught by mere words alone.
  • It is one of the oldest buildings in the complex and was probably first built in 670.

Going up to the Vairocana Buddha Hall (Birojeon).

Vairocana Buddha Hall (Birojeon).
The Birojeon, Vairocana Buddha Hall, which sits below the Gwaneumjeon, houses national treasure No.26.

  • National Treasure No.26 is a seated gilt-bronze Vairocana Buddha statue at Bulguksa Temple.
  • The Buddha of Enlightenment is enshrined in the Birojeon.
  • It is 1.77 meters in height and made from gilt-bronze.
  • The head of the Buddha has an usnisa, a symbol of supreme wisdom. The head of the Buddha was made by fusing two shells to each other and the face is elongated and soft.
  • The robes of the Buddha are highly detailed and the simulation of folded cloth rippling down from the shoulder to the lap is done with high skill.
  • The hands of the Buddha are in a position, the right index finger covered by the left hand, which often is used to symbolize the Buddha of Enlightenment.
  • The figure is estimated to be from the 9th century due to stylistic evidence, including the overly wide lap and the lack of tension in the depiction of the robes and face of the Buddha.

Sarira pagoda.
This sarira pagoda, or stupa, looks like a stone lantern. It stands 2.1 meters tall and is located at the left side of the front garden of Vairocana Buddha Hall (Birojeon).

  • The artifact was at one point taken to Japan in 1906 but was returned in 1933. It is from the Goryeo Dynasty, but shows the influence of Silla Dynasty art.
  • A sarira is a container for the relics or remains of famous priests or royalty.
  • It is said that this sarira contained the remains of eight priests or a queen.
  • The three main features of the piece are the foundation stone, the main body, and the ornamental top. The foundation is an octagonal stone decorated with carvings. Atop this foundation is a circular stone incised with lotus motifs. The pillar supports of the main body are carved with a cloud motif while the main body is cylindrical and has four bas-reliefs of Buddha and bodhisattvas and are accompanied by flower motifs. The top of the pagoda has twelve sides which meet into a hexagonal shape.

Going up to Avalokitesvara's Hall (Gwaneumjeon).

Avalokitesvara's Hall (Gwaneumjeon).
The Gwaneumjeon, Avalokitesvara's Hall, houses an image of the Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Perfect Compassion, and stands at the highest point of the complex.

  • In Buddhism, Avalokitesvara is a bodhisattva who contains the compassion of all Buddhas.
  • He has 108 avatars, the most notable of which is Padmapani (the lotus bearer).
  • He is variably depicted, described, and portrayed as either male or female in different cultures.
  • Guanyin is one of the female depictions of Avalokiteśvara that appears in East Asia.
  • See more at Avalokiteśvara - Wikipedia.

Hall of the Attained Ones (Nahanjeon).
To the left of the Vairocana Buddha Hall (Birojeon), you’ll find another walled off enclosure down another flight of stairs. This area in the upper courtyard houses the Hall of the Attained Ones (Nahanjeon).

  • Housed inside this all are sixteen wooden statues dedicated to the Nahan (the historical disciples of the Buddha).
  • Surrounding the Hall of the Attained Ones (Nahanjeon) are hundreds of stone cairns of all sizes piled by visitors that have stacked them for good luck.

See also

Source

Location

Location: 15-1 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea