Bazhong Rock Carvings Shuining Temple

CHINA, Sichuan, Bazhong

Located in Shuining town, 37 km east of Bazhong, Shuining Temple stands on the old route leading from Sichuan to the southwest region of Shaanxi province. It was originally known as Shining Temple. There are 39 niches and 316 sculptures scattered around the site. Niches 1 to 11 are located in or nearby Shuining Temple.
Niches 1 to 9 were constructed during the High Tang period (712–756) on the mountain cliff at the back of the temple. They are the most decoratively sculpted of the existing niches in Bazhong, sharing high artistic quality. Niche 1 is a double-layered niche with a rectangular outer opening and an arched inner lintel. The Medicine Buddha is the central figure, flanked by Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas. Niche 2 depicts Sakyamuni Buddha, flanked by his disciples Mahakasyapa and Ananda, two Bodhisattvas, and two warriors. Niche 4 is rectangular with an inner arched niche, which is delicately carved with a floral pattern. It features Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, flanked by Sudhana and the Naga Girl. On each side of the opening to the niche is a Heavenly King, standing above a tiny niche sculpted with donor figures. Niche 8 contains a Buddha, two disciples, two Bodhisattvas, and two Heavenly Kings, in addition to various other figures.