Dazu Rock Carvings Miaogaoshan Cave 3: Avatamsaka Triad

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Southern Song dynasty

This cave has a width of 3.28 m, a height of 3.36 m, and a depth of 5.57 m. A carving of the Avatamsaka Triad is located on the back wall. Vairocana Buddha is in the middle, seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne. Below the throne is a raised stand carved with a coiling dragon. Vairocana wears a square headdress and a monastic robe with long, loose sleeves covering both shoulders. Both hands form a mudra in front of his chest. Behind the Buddha is a flame-patterned aureole and nimbus. An apsara is located on each side of Vairocana at head level, kneeling on a floating cloud.
Flanking Vairocana are Manjusri Bodhisattva on the right, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva on the left. Both Bodhisattvas sit in full lotus position on lotus thrones, wearing headdresses, robes, and necklaces. Both figures are surrounded by a nimbus and an aureole. Manjusri’s throne is supported by a lion, while Samantabhadra’s throne rests atop an elephant. Manjusri holds a sutra, and Samantabhadra carries a ruyi (wish-fulfilling talisman) with both hands.
Statues of the Sixteen Arhat are divided evenly between the east and west walls; unfortunately, most of the statues have suffered severe weathering and their heads are damaged. Sala and Bodhi trees are carved in relief on each wall. The remaining spaces on the walls are filled with carvings of mountains.