Dazu Rock Carvings Beishan Niche 130: Marici Niche

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Southern Song dynasty

Located in the central section of the site, this niche measures 1.12 m wide, 2.4 m high, and 1.42 m deep. The main figure is a three-headed, eight-armed Marici. She stands barefoot on a lotus pedestal atop a carriage pulled by two elephants. Marici wears a short headdress, numerous ornaments, a long gown, and stoles. The two upper hands hold a Dharma wheel and a sword, the two middle hands hold a bow and an arrow, the two lower hands hold a halberd and a shield, and the remaining two hands form a mudra in front of the chest. A three-tier pagoda is above Marici’s head, with each tier containing a seated Buddha. Brightly painted reliefs of flowers and leaves surround the pagoda.
There are four Dharma protectors arranged in two tiers on each side of Marici. Each Dharma protector has either a single head and four arms, or three heads and six arms. They hold various objects including an arrow, knife, bell, jewel, and sword.