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Shifo Temple Rock Carvings
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Shifo Temple Rock Carvings
CHINA, Chongqing, Jiangjin
The temple is located 3 km south of Jiangjin. Its construction began during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127). There are six niches remaining with over 400 sculptures. Niche 1 features Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, flanked by apsaras on the wall above the figure, and two Bodhisattvas making offerings on both sides below.
Niche 2 depicts an illustration of the nine nagas bathing Prince Siddhartha. The niche is shallow and rectangular, measuring 0.82 m in width, 1.82 m in height, and 0.17 m in depth. The side frames of the niche are adorned with the bodies of nagas, and the lintel holds nine naga heads, which are spouting water down over Prince Siddhartha. The prince’s right arm is bent, pointing his fingers up to the sky, while his left hand hangs down and points to the earth. This gesture symbolizes the famous quote, In heaven and earth |
