Shizhongshan Grottoes Niche 6: Wisdom Kings

CHINA, Yunnan, Dali; Nanzhao to Dali period

Eight Wisdom Kings can be found within four niches, two in each. Of the four Wisdom Kings in the two left niches, the first is Yamantaka, sitting on an ox. This figure has six faces, legs, and hands, each of which holds a Dharma instrument. Trailokyavijaya, with three heads and six arms, sits comfortably on a lotus platform with hands either holding Dharma instruments or forming mudras. Aparajita and Mahacakravajra each have three heads and six arms. There are another four Wisdom Kings found on the right side. Hayagriva wears a crown with a horse head in the center. Vajrahasa displays fangs with the left foot stepping on a yaksa. Padanakipsa and Acala sit in a posture similar to Hayagriva’s.
Each king has a fierce look and sits upon a Sumeru throne adorned with patterns of mountains. The Eight Wisdom King in these niches create a unified scene.