BIRTH OF BUDDHA 

The expectancy of the birth of royal child fast approached and according to the custom, the Queen Maya decided to return home for birth. While on her way she stopped at Lumbini Garden to rest. This was April 8th, and as the sun appeared over the horizon she reached out her right arm to pluck a sala branch when the prince was born. Without any assistance whatsoever, the prince upon birth is said to have taken seven steps and at every step the seven jeweled Lotus flower blossomed forth to greet the occasion.

The prince stood on the seventh Lotus blossom and pointing to the heaven with his right hand and with his left hand pointing to the earth declared, "Heaven Above, Heaven Below, I alone am the World Honored One". Which meant that he was the most superior amongst all of the heavenly beings and upon receiving limitless Life and Death he would benefit all forms of life in this world.

The day was marked with celestial music from above and birds sang while others danced with joy, and sweet fragrants from the flowers scattered in the air, all heralding the happy day.