Tabo Monastery Central Hall: Life of the Buddha

INDIA, Himachal Pradesh

Painted on the lower right section of the west wall of the assembly hall located within the central hall, this mural is made up of four distinct scenes from the Life of the Buddha within a single background of buildings representing a palace. The upper left section of the mural depicts Queen Maya’s Dream. The queen is seated against a cushion and gazes to the left. She has large eyes and a prominent nose, and wears a white spotted garment. A partially visible elephant representing the future Buddha approaches the queen, leaving a trail of clouds behind it. Female attendants are seated around the queen’s bed. Below, Queen Maya is shown describing her dream to King Suddhodana.
In the lower right section of the mural, there is a group of bearded figures wearing flat head coverings and heavy robes. These are possibly seers or dream interpreters. Moving upwards, Queen Maya is shown asking King Suddhodana for permission to travel to Lumbini Garden. The king has a nimbus and wears a pointed crown. His tight fitting clothes are decorated with patterns. Similar clothing is worn by the figures in other murals within the hall. A partially visible attendant on the right holds a parasol up above the head of the king. Queen Maya kneels on the left, partially obscured by wear to the mural.