Piyang Cave 351

CHINA, Tibet, Ngari

This cave dates from the 11th to 12th century and has a single chamber which measures 3.4 m wide, 2.5 m high, and 2.35 m deep. The ceiling is gabled with a flat central ridge. The back (south), east, and west walls all still display murals. The three figures in the center of the back wall are Sakyamuni Buddha and two disciples. Above him is a garuda with a pair of apsaras flanking it. The group on the left side depicts the Medicine Buddha flanked by Songsten Gampo and his wives, as well as Nagarjuna. There are various deities, famous Kadampa monks, and other Buddhas surrounding the main images on the wall.
Depiction of Amitabha Buddha Triad can be found on the west wall, and on the east wall are images of Sakyamuni Buddha teaching the Dharma, surrounded by the Sixteen Arhats and various other disciples. The ceiling is painted with the Kalacakra symbol, a double vajra, seed syllables, nagas, phoenixes, peacocks, and kinnaras.