The Seokguram Grotto is a hermitage and part of the Bulguksa temple complex.
It lies four kilometers east of the temple on Mt. Tohamsan, in Gyeongju, South
Korea.
The Seokguram grotto is symbolic of a spiritual journey into Nirvana. Pilgrims
were to start at Bulguksa or at the foot Mt. Tohamsan, a holy mountain to the
Silla. There was a fountain at the entrance of the shrine where pilgrims could
refresh themselves. Inside the grotto, the antechamber and corridor
represented the earth while the rotunda represented heaven.
The interior of the grotto can now only be viewed through a glass wall,
installed to protect it from the many tourists it attracts, as well as
temperature change.
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Seokguram Iljumun Gate and Bell Tower.
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Gyeongju National Park Guide Map.
Gyeongju National Park is located in the province of Gyeongsangbuk-do,
South Korea, and is the country's only historical national park.
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The park covers many of the principal Silla historical sites in
Gyeongju City.
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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).
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See more at
Gyeongju National Park - Wikipedia.
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Entering the path towards the grotto.
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Walking the path that leads to the grotto.
It is about 600 m to the cave temple and the hike runs on a gravel road
through the forest.
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A square to rest, before continuing to climb.
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The entrance to the grotto.
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Layout of the grotto.
The basic layout of the grotto includes an arched entrance which leads
into a rectangular antechamber and then a narrow corridor, which is
lined with bas-reliefs, and then finally leads into the main rotunda.
The centerpiece of the granite sanctuary is a Buddha statue seated in
the main chamber.
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The Buddha is seated on a lotus throne with legs crossed. The Buddha
has a serene expression of meditation. The Buddha is surrounded by
fifteen panels of bodhisattvas, arhats and ancient Indian gods in the
rotunda and is accompanied by ten statues in niches along the
rotunda wall.
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The main hall of Seokguram houses a Bojon statue Bodhisattva
and his disciples. Forty different figures representing Buddhist
principles and teachings are in the grotto.
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The ceiling of the Seokguram grotto is decorated with half
moons
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Through the reflective pane you can see the Buddha statue.
Unfortunately, it is quite far from the glass pane and taking pictures
is not allowed.
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Medicine Buddha.
A little further down the grotto is a temple with this golden statue of
the Medicine Buddha.
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Bhaisajyaguru is the Buddha of healing and medicine in Mahayana
Buddhism. Commonly referred to as the "Medicine Buddha", he is
described as a doctor who cures suffering using the medicine of his
teachings.
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See more at
Bhaisajyaguru - Wikipedia.
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See also
Source
Location
