On top of Mount Meru is located the Trayastrimsha Heaven, where the major gods reside and where the Buddha's mother was reborn (as a male!) so that she could receive salvation. Buddha ascended to this heaven after his enlightenment, preaching the Dharma to his reborn mother and to the gods. Afterwards, he descended back into the world of men, accompanied by Brahma and Indra (usurped from Hinduism) as a heavenly guard of honor. Here, the photo left staircase would be Brahma's; the central staircase, Buddha's; and the photo right staircase, Indra's.