Dazu Rock Carvings Baodingshan Great Buddha Bay Niche 8: Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Southern Song dynasty

This 7.2 m high and 12.5 m wide niche is located in the eastern section of the south cliff. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva sits in full lotus position, wearing a tall, broad headdress decorated with 48 small Buddha images. A third eye is carved in the center of Avalokitesvara’s forehead. In total, there are 1,007 hands surrounding Avalokitesvara, forming a large, round mandorla. Of the larger hands immediately surrounding the Bodhisattva, two are joining palms, two form the mudra of the highest grade of the highest class of rebirth, and two are making the dhyana (meditation) mudra. Two hands above the headdress form the uttarabodhi (supreme enlightenment) mudra, and above them another pair of hands hold a seated Buddha. All of the hands that face outwards have an open eye carved in the center of the palm. Some of the hands hold Dharma instruments such as a sutra, seal, pagoda, conch, whip, sword, mirror, and a jewel. The entire figure takes up a total area of approximately 88 sq m. It is the largest rock carving of Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara in China.
Two warriors, with only torsos showing, hold up the Bodhisattva’s throne. A male figure standing on the right wears a long robe and a rectangular headdress. He appears to be holding a tablet to his chest with both hands. A female figure with a tall headdress and long robe appears to the left. Over time, gold leaf and new paint have been added to the carvings, giving the niche a brilliant appearance.