An eminent Therī, Mahāpajāpatī was born at Devdaha as the younger sister of Māyā. Mahāpajāpatī was so called because, at her birth, augurs prophesied that she would have a large following. Both sisters married King Suddhodhana, leader of the Śākya.
The passage describes Mahāpajāpatī's birth, her connection to the Śākya clan, and her marriage to King Suddhodhana.  It highlights her prominence as an eminent Therī (a female Buddhist monk) and her family ties.