Dazu Rock Carvings Baodingshan Great Buddha Bay Niche 20: Illustration of the Hells - Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Southern Song dynasty

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is located in the center of the upper tier of the niche, seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne. The figure wears a tall headdress, a monastic robe, and necklaces. One hand forms a mudra in front of the chest, while the other holds a wish-fulfilling jewel in the lap. Six rays of light shine from the wish-fulfilling jewel: the upper two rays spread upwards to the ceiling; the lower two rays penetrate downwards towards the hells depicted below; and the middle two rays spread out towards the Ten Kings of Hell seated on either side.
Ksitigarbha is a Bodhisattva who is known for his great vow of not attaining enlightenment until all sentient beings have been liberated and all of the hells are empty, as described in the Dasacakra Ksitigarbha Sutra. He is therefore commonly associated with the hells and hell beings. His name “Ksiti” refers to the Earth, symbolizing his great capability to forebear; while “garbha” means store, which refers to the storage of his inner training.