Shisunshan Rock Carvings Niche 3: Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Sichuan, Chengdu; Tang dynasty

Niche 3 is located on the southern section of the site and measures 2.4 m wide, 2.33 m high, and 1.3 m deep. It contains a total of more than 100 sculptures, including a Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva on the back wall.
This Avalokitesvara statue sits in full lotus position upon a high throne wearing a floral headdress. The figure wears various stoles that cover the upper arms. Beaded ornaments and jeweled accessories extend down below the seat. The palms are joined at the chest, with two hands supporting Buddha statues above the head, while the hands before the abdomen display the dhyana (meditation) mudra. The rest of the hands carry Dharma instruments, although some are missing since the arms have been damaged. The wall behind the statue has four rings of hands evenly laid out, forming a circular mandorla, representing the figure’s thousand arms.
The sculptures on the side walls include Narayana on horseback, Mahesvara riding a bull, Wind Deity, Rain Deity, Thunder Deity, Lightning Deity, and the Four Heavenly Kings.