Sammaksa Temple Shrine of the Seven Stars: Buddha Triad

SOUTH KOREA, Gyeonggi, Anyang; Joseon dynasty

These rock carvings are carved in high relief and protected on the second story of the wooden Shrine of the Seven Stars, similar to a cave temple. Inscriptions record the construction of the triad and hall in 1763 during the Joseon dynasty. The rock carvings are listed as Provincial Tangible Cultural Property No. 94.
Three figures are carved in mid-relief within a 2.5 m wide and 2 m deep niche. They are seated in full lotus position on lotuses. The 150 cm high Buddha has tightly curled hair culminating in a usnisa. Dressed in a monastic robe, the figure holds a jewel cupped in both hands. The Buddha is said to possess similar attributes with Tejaprabha Buddha. The 93 cm high attendants Suryaprabha and Candraprabha Bodhisattvas have palms joined in anjali (reverence) mudra and wear mountain-shaped crowns.