Dazu Rock Carvings Baodingshan Great Buddha Bay Niche 14: Vairocana Hall

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Southern Song dynasty

Situated in the north cliff, this niche is 11.6 m wide, 6.6 m high, and 4.2 m deep. This rectangular cave has a flat ceiling. Inscribed on the lintel are the words “Vairocana Hall” and the name of the donor, Yao, a military official in Chongqing. The sculptures in the niche are based on the Avatamsaka Sutra.
A revolving sutra case carved in the shape of an octagonal pavilion is found at the center of the niche. Vairocana Buddha, seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne, is in front of the pavilion. The figure wears a tall, intricately carved headdress, a monastic robe that covers both shoulders, and a bracelet on each wrist. Both hands form a mudra in front of the chest. Curved lines extending up from the corners of the mouth signify that the Buddha is teaching the Dharma.
Numerous carvings depicting the teaching of the Avatamsaka Sutra to eight assemblies held in seven different places are found on the walls of the niche surrounding the central sutra case.