History

Seokguram, the epitome of Buddhist stone sculpture from the Unified Silla Kingdom, was begun under the supervision of Prime Minister Gim Dae-seong in 751, during the reign of King Gyeongdeok, and completed in 774 in King Hyegong's reign.

Seokguram Grotto is tucked away near the summit of Mt. Tohamsan on its secluded eastern slope. This man-made grotto was assembled from hundreds of white granite pieces of diverse sizes and shapes. It consists of a rectangular antechamber symbolizing the earth, a corridor acting as a conduit between earth and heaven, and a main rotunda with a domed ceiling representing heaven. Including the seated main Buddha, the grotto enshrines some 39 divinities. It is designed as if to lead all living things on earth to the realm of nirvana.

The antechamber of the Seokguram Grotto holds bas-relief images of eight guardian deities and two Vajrapanis. The short corridor is guarded by four fearsome heavenly kings, two on each wall. The rotunda centers on the seated main Buddha, the Sakyamuni Tathagata or Incarnation of Truth. The antechamber, which stands for earth, is a perfect golden rectangle. Eight masculine deities guard the room on the left and right walls. A pair of Vajrapanis, one on either side of the entrance to the corridor, are carved in deep relief. With robust, bare upper torsos above skirts hanging down to their knees, with both hands clenched into fists, one of them raised, and with goggle eyes glaring, they are ready to drive away any evil that may approach.