Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c29.491

v2.c29.491

On the day of the actual conception, the mother, having bathed in scented water after the celebration of the Asāḷha-festival, and having eaten choice food, takes upon herself the uposatha vows and retires to the adorned state-bedchamber. As she sleeps, she dreams that the Four Regent Gods raise her with her bed, and, having taken her to the Himālaya, bathe her in Lake Anotatta, robe her in divine clothes, anoint her with perfumes and deck her with heavenly flowers.²⁴ Not far away is a silver mountain and on it a golden mansion. There they lay her with her head to the east. The Bodhisatta, assuming the form of a white elephant, enters her room, and after circling rightwise three times round her bed, smites her right side with his trunk and enters her womb. She awakes and tells her husband of her dream. Soothsayers are consulted, and they prophesy the birth of a Cakkavatti or of a Buddha.