More than 2,500 years ago, there was a king called Suddhodana. He married princess Maha Maya who was the daughter of King Anjana of the Koliyas.
The couple ruled over the Sakyas, a warrior tribe living next to the Koliya tribe, in the north of India, in what is now known as Nepal. The capital of the Sakya country was laid out across the foothills of the Himalayas and called Kapilavasthu.
Such was her beauty that the name Maya, meaning "vision" was given to her. But it was Maya's virtues and talents that were her most wonderful qualities, for she was endowed with the highest gifts of intelligence and piety.
King Suddhodana was indeed worthy of his lovely wife. He himself was called "King of the Law" because he ruled according to the law. There was no other man among the Sakyas more honored and respected.
The king was admired by his nobles and courtiers, as well as by the householders and merchants. Such was the noble family from which the Buddha was to arise.
Note--In the Hindu tradition, Maya is also understood as the maiden-aspect of the Indian Mother goddess, Kali. She is Mahakali. She is mother of all in the sense of the Giver of Perception.