Suddhodana

Suddhodana was a king of the Shakya (Sakya) clan in ancient northeast South Asia, traditionally regarded as the father of Siddhartha Gautama, who would become the Buddha. In Buddhist literature he is depicted as ruler of Kapilavastu, the Shakya capital near the tribal homeland that later became part of present-day Nepal.

According to Buddhist accounts, Suddhodana was married to Maya, Siddhartha's mother. Siddhartha grew up in the royal palace under his father's protection, receiving a princely education and training in governance, statecraft, and martial skills. Suddhodana is also described as arranging Siddhartha's marriage to his cousin Yasodhara, and the couple had a son, Rahula.

The life of Siddhartha as a prince ends with the Four Sights; after Siddhartha leaves the palace to seek spiritual awakening, Suddhodana reportedly tried to dissuade him and later mourned his departure. The details of these events and the dates of Suddhodana's life vary among sources and are not corroborated by contemporary historical records; the accounts primarily come from Buddhist scriptures and later traditions.

In Buddhist tradition, Suddhodana's role highlights the worldly life and royal milieu that Siddhartha left behind to pursue enlightenment. He is remembered as a king of the Shakya lineage who anchored the early life of the Buddha.