Tabo Monastery Central Hall: Life of the Buddha - Procession to Lumbini Garden

INDIA, Himachal Pradesh

Painted on the lower left section of the north wall in the assembly hall, this mural depicts Queen Maya traveling back to her parent’s home to give birth, a traditional Indian custom. According to the Lalitavistara Sutra, King Suddhodana sent 20,000 warriors, 20,000 horses, and 20,000 elephants to accompany her on the journey. There are no other depictions of this story in Indian art. Thus, it is thought that this mural was painted by a local artist.
On the right side of the middle register, Queen Maya rides in the royal carriage. Dressed in resplendent clothes, she holds a flower between her fingers and appears serene. Beside the carriage, warriors holding banners or swords ride on horses or elephants. Most of them wear flat head coverings and have cloaks draped over their shoulders. The patterns on the clothing are varied, reflecting a careful attention to detail.