Nine Dragons Bath Sakyamuni of Dazu Grottoes

Nine Dragon Bath Sakyamuni

The wife of king Jingfan was pregnant. When she walked in Lumbini garden, her son was born from her armpit. The prince walked 7 steps as soon as he was born. Lotus grew up on every footstep of the prince. Nine dragons flew over and poured fragrant water to bath the prince. And gods and goddesses came over to protect him. Then, the new born prince pointed to the sky with one finger and to the earth with another. He then said: in heaven and on earth only I am the most honorable. After making that speech, he behaved like an ordinary baby. We call the birthday of Buddha the Feast Day of Sakyamuni Buddha.

No. 12 shrine of Dafowan of Baoding Mountain tells this story to visitors. The prince sat in the bathtub and there are nine stone dragons above his head pouring water to the pirnce. The craftsmen utilized the geological conditions to lead the water from ponds on the rock to flow onto the head of the prince. This masterpiece combines Buddhist story and delicate carving skills together to create an interesting scenic spots for visitors.