Kaepu Caves: Dharma Protector Cave
Kaepu Caves: Dharma Protector Cave
CHINA, Tibet, Ngari
The Dharma Protector Cave is located in the middle of the cliff. The cave was excavated between the 14th and 16th centuries, and various murals of Dharma protectors were added in the 19th century, hence its name. The cave is rectangular and measures 3 m wide, 1.4 m high, and 4 m deep. The front wall is no longer intact. Before the murals were painted, the walls were coated with lime. A white background on the back wall is visible below the painted images that are outlined in red ocher. The murals are simple in style and feature Dharma protectors with flaming mandorlas. Unfortunately, over time, the images have become significantly damaged. Various inscriptions, including dharanis in Tibetan, are written on the cave walls in red ink.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves R-L, page 447.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Johnson, Peter and Mankuang and Huntington, Susan and Edson, Gary and Neather, Robert,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves R-L},
pages = 447,
title = {{Kaepu Caves: Dharma Protector Cave}},
volume = 6,
year = {2016}}