Ajanta: The Colour and Monochrome Reproductions of the Ajanta Frescoes Based on Photography v2.c8.s9.28

v2.c8.s9.28

The next scene of this subject (Plate XXII) represents the birth of the Buddha in the Lumbinī Grove. Mahā-Māyā is seen standing in the middle holding the branch of the sāl-tree.¹ In front of her are Brahma, Indra, a chaurī-bearer, and a hermit, representing the four pure-minded Mahā-Brahma angels of the Jātaka, who received the Buddha on a golden net at his birth.² In the fresco the child is held on a mattress by Indra, who is easily identified by his eye of wisdom. Brahma is holding an umbrella, the symbol of royalty, over the divine child, to show his sovereignty of all the worlds. The fly-whisk and the pearl-string³ held by the other two angels are also emblematic of the supreme nature of the Great Being.