Images of the Four Heavenly Kings in Unified Silla As the Symbol of National Defense
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1558/bsrv.v32i2.27588Keywords:
Four Heavenly Kings, Sachŏnwang Temple, Seokruram Grotto, state protectionAbstract
This paper aims to examine the role of the Four Heavenly Kings in Silla. The Four Heavenly Kings first created in Silla were all enshrined in the royal memorial temples. The temples are also those situated respectively in the four directions, with Silla royal capital at the center. The fact that they were all enshrined in the royal memorial temples, especially in the stupa, proves that the Four Heavenly Kings had their own special implications. The role of the Four Heavenly Kings in Silla was not only to protect the temple, but also, more importantly, to protect the whole nation.References
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