noun
Buddha image carved on a rock face
Refers to a Buddhist figure carved directly into a natural cliff or large rock surface, often found at outdoor sacred sites.
大分県の磨崖仏は国指定の史跡になっている。
The rock-carved Buddha figures in Oita Prefecture are designated as a national historic site.
山道の途中に古い磨崖仏が彫られていた。
An old Buddha image was carved into the rock face along the mountain path.
石仏 is a general term for any stone Buddha statue, while 磨崖仏 specifically refers to one carved into a natural rock face.
From 磨崖 (magai, 'polished cliff' or 'carved rock face') + 仏 (butsu, 'Buddha'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is conventionally associated with Buddhist rock carvings.