Huayan Lower Temple Bhagavad Sutra Hall Sculptures

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Liao dynasty

These sculptures are located on a platform in the Bhagavad Sutra Hall. There are a total of 29 statues, divided into three groups and dated from 1038 of the Liao dynasty, although most of them were created in the style of the late Tang dynasty (618–907). Each group features a Buddha measuring 5.38 m high. Other statues in the hall were installed during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties.
The central group features Sakyamuni, the Buddha of the Present, flanked by his disciples Mahakasyapa and Ananda. The Bodhisattvas Manjusri and Samantabhadra sit on lotus thrones before him, attended by others.
Dipamkara, the Buddha of the Past, sits to the north accompanied by two disciples and three attendant Bodhisattvas. Two smaller Bodhisattvas are located immediately before Dipamkara while a Buddha image, made at a later period, has been placed directly in front of him. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is located along the north wall.
The same formation can be found on the south side surrounding Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, but instead of Avalokitesvara, it is Ksitigarbha who stands before him.
The Four Heavenly Kings, each holding a sword in hand, stand guard at each corner of the platform.