(Elephant)--Announcement of the imminent birth
(Elephant)--Announcement of the imminent birth
A white elephant is a sacred, auspicious symbol in India, where the Buddha was born, and is depicted as the vehicle that brought to earth the Buddha-to-be. Between the right ribs he entered Maya's womb.
In more detailed indoor paintings, the background is of the palace in which he was born with many people in the rooms and gardens. A whole host of heavenly beings surround the elephant and the Buddha-to-be in a cloud that trails to earth above Maya's head.
(Baby)--The birth
The well-developed babe emerged from the right side of a fully clothed mother and began walking immediately after birth. He was born into a royal family and bore the title of Prince. He was named Siddhartha; Gautama was his family name. Seven days after his birth his mother died. At sixteen he married and had a son. His life in the palace was one of comfort and luxury.
In compound pictures there are nine dragons washing the baby with many earthly attendants.
