Monday, February 21, 2011

Bulguksa or Bulguksa Temple UNESCO World Cultural Asset

Bulguksa Temple is the representative relic of Gyeongju and was designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. The beauty of the temple itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics are known throughout the world. The original Kim Daeseong was the legendary architect of the first temple on this site, who overcame extreme poverty and ugliness he was called "Big Wall" for his flat forehead  through Buddhist devotion. The Bulguksatemple complex is entered via a double-sectioned staircase and bridge.


The temple's records state that a small temple was built on this site under King Beopheung in 528. The Samguk Yusa records that the current temple was constructed under King Gyeongdeok in 751, begun by Prime Minister Kim Daeseong to pacify the spirits of his parents. The building was completed in 774 by the Silla royal court, after Gim's death, and given its current name Bulguksa (Temple of the Buddha Land).


The Bulguksa staircase has a 45-degree slope and 33 steps total, corresponding to the 33 steps to enlightenment. It was probably built in 750 during the reign of King Gyeongdeok. The large arch underneath the staircase testifies to the use of arches in Silla-style bridges and the remains of a pond and once flowed underneath the bridge.


The Bulguksa terrestrial and the two celestial abodes are manifested in Bulguksa: the terrestrial with a Shakyamuni Buddha Lotus Sutra, the celestial with Amitabha Buddha Avatamska Sutra. The large temple site is centred around two courts. One of the courts is centred on Daeungjeon, the hall which houses the Shakyamuni Buddha. The other is centred on Geungnakjeon, the hall of paradise where the Seven Treasure Bridge Chilbogyo is housed.

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