Yungang Grotto 9

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong

Located in the central area, and constructed between the years 465 and 494, this grotto consists of a rectangular front chamber and a rear chamber. The main entrance is supported by two large columns. The exteriors of both columns have worn away due to weathering, but the inner side is filled with the Thousand Buddhas and elephants carved at the bases. Notches cut into the exterior cliff face above suggest that a wooden structure originally stood outside the grotto, likely constructed during the Liao dynasty (907–1125). This grotto is a twin to Grotto 10, and connects to it via an arched doorway on the right side of the west wall in the front chamber.
The front chamber is 11.9 m in width, 10.8 m in height, and 4.2 m in depth. The lower sections of the east, west, and back (north) walls have suffered weathering, but the remaining carvings are relatively well preserved. The lowest remaining carving on the west wall features an illustration of the Syama Jataka, which extends to the arched doorway in the back wall. Two arched niches cut into the middle section of both the east and west walls each contain a seated Buddha. Of these, the niche on the right side of the west wall is particularly interesting, as it depicts Sakyamuni Buddha extending his hand to touch the head of a kneeling figure. This illustration depicts the story of Sakyamuni’s encounter with Rahula. The upper sections of the east and west walls have niches shaped like wooden structures. The niches are three bays wide, and contain a cross-ankled Bodhisattva in the central bay, with Bodhisattvas in contemplation in the side bays of the east wall, and standing Bodhisattvas in the side bays on the west.
The doorway leading to the rear chamber is cut into the back wall of the front chamber with a window above it. On each side of the doorway is a trapezoidal niche containing a cross-ankled Bodhisattva. Above them, arched niches are carved on either side of the upper window, each containing images of Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna Buddhas seated together. The lintel of the doorway is carved like a wooden roof with garudas perched upon it, as well as apsaras holding a garland, and intricate honeysuckle and lotus patterns. The upper walls of the doorway have three heavenly beings making offerings, while the lower section is guarded by Vajrapanibalins. The carvings on the ceiling of the doorway depict four apsaras and yaksas encircling a wish-fulfilling jewel.
The rear chamber is 11.3 m in width, 10.5 m in height, and 8 m in depth. The back wall features a 9.8 m high Buddha seated with legs pendent, encircled by a circumambulation corridor. The walls of the corridor have suffered severe weathering and the only carvings which can still be discerned are apsaras and figures making offerings at the top sections of the walls.
The east and west walls of the rear chamber share a similar layout, with each displaying a 5.3 m high attendant Bodhisattva. Both walls were also carved with images of Jataka tales and Karma stories, but those on the east wall are no longer discernible. The remaining images on the west wall include depictions of Generosity of Sudatta’s Wife Bringing Rewards and Eight Heavenly Beings Seeking the Dharma. The carvings on the front (south) wall illustrate stories, such as Buddha Teaching Hariti a Lesson, Arhat and His Jealous Brother, Buddha Preventing Nirgranthas from Self-Immolation, and Defiant Woman Reborn as a Heavenly Being.
Both the front chamber and rear chamber have lattice ceilings featuring apsaras and lotuses. The front chamber ceiling also contains carvings of warriors, while three-headed, four-armed asuras are carved on the rear chamber ceiling.