Suddhodanas

Suddhodana was the king of the Shakya clan and the father of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. He ruled in the city of Kapilavastu, located in what is now Nepal. Suddhodana was a prominent ruler, known for his just governance and prosperity. He belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty, a lineage that held significant historical and religious importance in ancient India.

According to Buddhist scriptures, Suddhodana married his cousin, Maya, and later another of his cousins, Prajapati Gautami. He had one son, Siddhartha, with Maya. Concerned about his son's future and fearing he might renounce his worldly life, Suddhodana attempted to shield Siddhartha from suffering and the harsh realities of the outside world. He ensured Siddhartha lived a life of luxury within the palace walls, surrounded by pleasures and comforts.

Despite his father's efforts, Siddhartha eventually witnessed the Four Sights – an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and an ascetic – which profoundly impacted him and led him to his spiritual quest. After Siddhartha's departure from the palace, Suddhodana remained in Kapilavastu, continuing his reign. He is depicted in Buddhist texts as a devoted father who, though initially resistant to his son's path, eventually came to respect and accept Siddhartha's enlightenment. He is also recognized as one of the important lay patrons of the early Buddhist order. His ancestral lineage and royal status are often highlighted in narratives surrounding the Buddha's early life.