Jindeng Temple Caves

CHINA, Shanxi, Changzhi

The Jindeng Temple Caves, also known as Baoyan Temple Caves, are located on Linlushan Mountain, 60 km southeast of Pingshun county. According to the Pingshun County Gazetteer, the temple was built during the Southern and Northern Dynasties (386–589) on the mountainside out of naturally formed rock depressions. The caves were listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2006.
Both the temple and its caves face the south, and the site consists of 7 courtyards, 14 caves, 37 Buddha niches, and over 500 cliff sculptures. There are a number of shrines within the caves, of which the largest is the Water and Land Shrine, with an area of approximately 120 sq m. Three Buddha statues, each measuring approximately 3 m high, are located along the back wall. The Buddhas sit in full lotus position on top of Sumeru thrones, and are carved with mandorlas that extend to the ceiling. Nine niches are carved on the side walls, within which are the Eighteen Arhats in a variety of designs. There are a total of 69 depictions of the Water and Land Dharma Service within the shrine, as well as 90 reliefs on the walls featuring scenes from the Life of the Buddha and illustrations of sutras.