Dazu Rock Carvings Beishan Niche 9: Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Tang dynasty

Located in the southern section of the Beishan site, this niche has a flat ceiling and is 2.7 m wide, 2.9 m high, and 1.42 m deep. The main figure in this niche is a Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Avalokitesvara sits with legs pendent and each foot rests on a lotus pedestal. The Bodhisattva wears a tall headdress and a long garment. Two smoke-like rays of light containing apsaras are depicted on the ceiling above. The numerous hands of Avalokitesvara perform various actions: two hands join palms in front of the chest; two form a mudra; two rest on the knees; and two hold a Amitabha Buddha above the head. The other hands surrounding the figure formerly held Dharma instruments, but most are now damaged and broken. A few of the instruments, such as a vase and a bell, are still visible. A round mandorla filled with hands representing the thousand hands of the Bodhisattva can be seen behind the statue. A carving of a crouching hungry ghost begging for food is on the lower right; this figure’s head is damaged. Another begging figure is on the lower left.
The figures on the side walls are carved in four tiers. The lowest tier contains Bodhisattvas and attendants. In the upper three tiers, the Buddhas of the Ten Directions, the Thunder Deity, the Rain Deity, Manjusri Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and other figures ride upon clouds.