Ajanta Cave 2: Life of the Buddha - Interpretation of Queen Maya’s Dream

INDIA, Maharashtra, Aurangabad

This mural is located on the left wall in the main hall. It measures 1.2 m high by 1.32 m wide. According to Buddhist scriptures, on the night of Prince Siddhartha’s inception, Queen Maya had a vivid dream that a white elephant entered her womb. The King Suddodhana invited a prophet to interpret the dream, who predicted that the prince now held within Queen Maya’s womb would be a great sage.
On the left of the painting are King Suddhodhana and Queen Maya, seated together on the throne. Three court attendants stand behind them. The prophet kneels before the royal couple and explains the implication of the dream as they listen attentively. On the right, Queen Maya is seen leaning against a pillar, her head tilted slightly to one side. She appears deep in thought. The prophet kneels before her, and a female attendant watches her with care.