Here's what is believed to have happened:
* Peaceful Death: Queen Maya is said to have died a peaceful death, believed to be a sign of her great virtue and the auspiciousness of her son's birth.
* Heaven: Many Buddhist texts describe her going to the "heavenly abode" (Tushita) after her death, where she is said to have continued her virtuous life and waited for the time when she would be reborn as the mother of the Buddha again.
* Rebirth: It is believed that Queen Maya was reborn in the next life as Maya, the mother of the Bodhisattva Maitreya, the future Buddha.
The significance of Queen Maya:
* Symbol of Compassion: Queen Maya is revered as a symbol of compassion and devotion, especially for her role in giving birth to the Buddha.
* Role Model: She is seen as a model for mothers and women, embodying qualities like purity, love, and selflessness.
* Important Figure in Buddhist Art: Queen Maya is a prominent figure in Buddhist art, often depicted in scenes like the "Dream of Maya" or the "Birth of the Buddha."
While the exact details of Queen Maya's life and death are shrouded in legend, she remains a significant figure in Buddhism, embodying the values and ideals of the path to enlightenment.