The correct option is Gajalakshmi.
Explanation
Early Buddhist art, particularly at sites like Sanchi and Bharhut, frequently utilized symbolic motifs to represent events from the Buddha's life and general auspiciousness. One such recurring motif depicts a woman seated on a lotus, flanked by two elephants sprinkling water on her.
Analysis:
- Maya: Many historians identify this figure as Queen Maya, the mother of the Buddha. In this interpretation, the scene represents the nativity of the Buddha, with the elephants symbolizing the auspicious nature of the birth or the dream of the white elephant.
- Gajalakshmi: Alternatively, the figure is identified as Gajalakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. This motif, where the goddess is bathed (abhisheka) by elephants, is ancient and shared across Buddhist, Jain, and Brahmanical traditions.
- The imagery serves a dual purpose in early Buddhist stupas, symbolizing both the birth of the Enlightened One and the universal concept of prosperity and auspiciousness.
Key Takeaway: The sculptural motif of a woman flanked by elephants pouring water is interpreted by historians as either Maya (symbolizing the Buddha's birth) or Gajalakshmi (symbolizing prosperity).