Gautam Buddha: Life History, Enlightenment, Teachings & Facts – Biography

Gautam Buddha (c. 5th-4th century BCE), also known as Buddha Shakyamuni was a spiritual guide and religious figure of Ancient Indian history.

Life of Gautam Buddha

1. Gautam Buddha was born in Shakya Kshatriya family in Lumbini near Kapilavastu (located in Nepal).
2. His father’s name was Shuddhodhan, who belonged to the Shakya dynasty.
3. His mother’s name was Mayadevi, who belonged to the Koliyan clan.
4. Vaishali (Bihar) was the Buddha’s last rainy season residence.
5. Gautam Buddha died in 483 BC at Kushinagar (the capital city of Malla Kingdom).

Enlightenment of Buddha

• Buddha received enlightenment in Bodhgaya (Bihar) under the Peepal tree, near the Niranjan River.
• Buddha believes in Karma and rebirth.
• He didn’t believe in the existence of God and his power.

Teachings of Buddha

• Mahaprajapati Gautami was the first women to receive Buddhas teachings.
• Subhaddha was the last person to get enlightenment from Buddha.

Some important facts about Buddha

1. Source: Ashoka’s Rummindei Pillar inscription (also known as Lumbini pillar inscription) gives information about the birthplace of Buddha. According to it, Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal.
2. Buddha gave his maximum sermon at Shravasti.
3. “Light of Asia is a book by Sir Edwin Arnold. Buddha is known as the Light of Asia.
4. The Statue of Budhha was the first human statue to be worshipped in India.