Mahavira Janam (birth) is foretold by Mata Trishalā’s auspicious dreams (svapna).

Shvetāmbara tradition: 14 dreams 1) Elephant 2) Bull 3) Lion 4) Goddess Lakshmi 5) Garland of flowers 6) Full moon 7) Sun 8) Flag (banner) 9) Full vase (kalash) 10) Lotus-lake 11) Milky ocean 12) Celestial palace (vimān) 13) Heap of jewels 14) Smokeless fire

Simple traditional meanings (arth)

• Elephant: greatness and noble conduct
• Bull: strength in dharma; the child will guide religion
• Lion: fearlessness and leadership
• Lakshmi: supreme auspiciousness and prosperity of virtues
• Garland: fame of pure virtues spreads everywhere
• Full moon: peace and coolness to the world
• Sun: removal of spiritual darkness by true knowledge
• Flag: victory of dharma
• Vase: fullness, purity, compassion
• Lotus-lake: purity and detachment even in the world
• Milky ocean: boundless virtues and spiritual depth
• Celestial palace: divine, exalted spiritual status
• Heap of jewels: immense virtues and wisdom
• Smokeless fire: pure radiance of right knowledge destroying karmas

Digambara tradition: 16 dreams

• The same 14 as above, plus:

15) Pair of fish — auspicious grace and harmony 16) Throne — supreme spiritual sovereignty of a Tirthankar

These dreams indicate that a Tirthankar would be born to Mata Trishalā.

For a simple list and explanation, see:

• Fourteen Auspicious Dreams of Mother Trishalā
• Mahavir Janmakalyanak overview