Gautama Buddha (563 BC-483 BC) is among the greatest religious teacher of the world. He founded ‘Buddhism’, one of the world’s leading religions. Gautama Buddha was born in 563 BC at Lumbini, the terai area of Nepal. His father’s name was Suddhodana, who was the ruler of Kapilavastu. His mother’s name was Mahamaya. Buddha’s childhood name was Siddhartha. Gautama Buddha was married at the age of 16, to a beautiful princess Yashodhara, and lived in luxury. A son, Rahul was born to him. A turning point and Siddhartha’s life came when passing by a roadside; he singed an old man, sick person and a dead body. At the age of 29, he left his home quietly in search of peace and truth. Siddhartha got enlightenment at the age of 35 at Bodh Gaya, under a papal tree which later came to be known as the ‘Bodhi Tree’. Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath. He preached Four Noble truths including the Eightfold Path. He also attacked some religious and social practices of his times. Buddha attained ‘nirvana’ in 483 BC.
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