Anyue Vairocana Caves

CHINA, Sichuan, Ziyang

The caves are located on Jueshan (Stone Mountain) in Shiyangchang, 50 km southeast of Anyue county. According to a stele from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), the Vairocana Caves were first carved between 936 and 944 during the Later Jin dynasty. They have subsequently undergone various restorations and renovations. There are currently 20 caves and niches at the site, although 6 are empty. In total, there are 465 sculptures of various sizes, as well as 32 stele and cliff inscriptions concentrated primarily in Caves 8, 10, 18, and 19. Notable carvings include the Ten Austerities of Liu Benzun, Water-Moon Avalokitesvara, Two Buddhas and Liu Benzun, and various donors. The caves were listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2001.
Cave 8, created during the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127), features Vairocana Buddha in the center, surrounded by carvings of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and the Ten Austerities of Liu Benzun. Cave 10 was carved during the same time period and is 5.8 m wide, 4.5 m high, and 3 m deep. It contains a triad featuring Vairocana Buddha flanked by Sakyamuni Buddha on the left and Liu Benzun on the right. The three figures measure 2.5 m to 2.7 m in height. On each side of the triad is a young woman; one holds Liu Benzun’s self-amputated arm on a tray, while the other holds a miniature pagoda. These two figures represent the two daughters of Qiu Shao, who were believed to have been rescued by Liu Benzun. This cave also contains two male and two female donors, as well as a stele inscribed in the year 1855.
Cave 18 was created during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911) and measures 7.45 m wide, 9 m high, and 6.5 m deep. There is a platform in the center with sculptures of a seated Buddha, two Bodhisattvas, and two disciples. The front of the platform and the side walls of the cave are sculpted with small circular niches containing more than 300 seated donor figures. The names of some of the donors are inscribed beside these figures. The top of the cliff wall is carved with four characters stating: “Universal Protection by the Buddha.” Cave 19 was constructed during the Northern Song dynasty and contains a sculpture of Water-Moon Avalokitesvara.