Baocheng Temple Cave

CHINA, Zhejiang, Hangzhou

Located in the eastern foothills of Ziyangshan (Purple Sun Mountain) in Hangzhou, the Baochang Temple Cave has three niches referred to as the east, west, and middle niches. They are located on the cliff wall behind the temple and contain seven statues. Unfortunately, the original statue in the west niche no longer exists. In 2001, the Mahakala statue in the east niche was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site.
The east niche has a slightly arched ceiling and is 2.45 m in height. It contains three statues: in the middle is Mahakala, who is flanked by Manjusri riding a lion and Samantabhadra riding an elephant. These carvings date back to the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368). Mahakala, whose name means “the Great Black Heavenly King,” has red hair, a golden face, and wears a crown and large earrings. He has a wrathful expression, with teeth bared and wide eyes. This depiction is shown holding a human head before the chest in both hands with a disproportionately short body and large abdomen. Resting on both shoulders are additional human heads, and Mahakala crushes a demon beneath his feet. According to the inscription to the left of the niche, the statue of Mahakala was commissioned by an official as a blessing for the residents of the area. On the niche lintel, there are three garudas in bas-relief.
The middle niche has a rectangular ceiling and is 2.12 m high. Inside the niche are three Buddhas: the Buddhas of the Past, Present, and Future. This carving was created during the Yuan dynasty. The Buddhas have low, flat usnisas and tightly spiraled hair. Seated in full lotus position on lotus thrones, they are backed by two-layered, flame-shaped mandorlas, while dressing in monastic robes and forming mudras. The Buddhas on the right and in the center make the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra, while the Buddha on the left makes the dhyana (meditation) mudra.