Mount Kasugayama Stone Caves

JAPAN, Nara

These two caves are located near the top of Mount Kasugayama, one on the east and one on the west. According to an inscription on the West Cave wall, the caves were carved in 1155 by Kon Nyobo.
The East Cave is 3.6 m wide, 1.8 m high, and 2.4 m deep. It has a square central pillar with the remnants of images of the Buddhas of the Four Directions. The east wall depicts six Avalokitesvara Bodhisattvas and heavenly beings, while the west wall has six standing Ksitigarbha Bodhisattvas and also heavenly beings, which is a rare combination. Each Ksitigarbha holds a jewel.
The West Cave is 3.6 m wide, 2 m high, and 2 m deep. It has reliefs of two seated Buddhas and Vaisravana. Amitabha Buddha, in the center, forms the dhyana (meditation) mudra. The Buddha on the right is badly damaged. On the left is Vaisravana, Heavenly King of the North, who wears armor and stands upon a demon. The figure holds a pagoda in the left hand and a vajra in the right.