The Buddha Biography: Wikipedia, Ethnicity, Nationality, Age, Parents, Siblings, Wife, Children

Siddhartha Gautama, widely known as the Buddha (“the Awakened One”), was a spiritual teacher and wandering ascetic who lived in South Asia during the 6th or 5th century BCE and founded Buddhism.

According to Buddhist tradition, he was born in Lumbini—located in present-day Nepal—to royal parents of the Shakya clan. Renouncing his privileged life, he chose the path of a wandering ascetic.

Through years of mendicancy, rigorous asceticism, and deep meditation, he ultimately attained enlightenment (nirvana) at Bodh Gaya, in modern-day India.

Following his awakening, the Buddha traveled across the lower Indo-Gangetic Plain, sharing his teachings and establishing a monastic community.

Profile

• Full Name: Gautama Buddha
• Stage Name: The Buddha
• Born: 480 BCE
• Died: 400 BCE
• Age: 80 years old
• Birthplace: Lumbini, Shakya Republic
• Nationality: Shakya
• Occupation: Spiritual teacher and wandering ascetic
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Śuddhodana, Maya Devi
• Siblings: Sundari Nanda, Nanda
• Spouse: Yaśodharā
• Children: Rāhula
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Siddhartha Gautama was born in 623 BCE in the gardens of Lumbini, situated in the Terai plains of southern Nepal. He was the son of King Suddhodana, the ruler of the Sakya kingdom, and Queen Maya Devi, a princess from Devdaha.

He had two siblings, Sundari Nanda and Nanda. As a prince, Siddhartha received a well-rounded education, including training in literature, arts, and martial disciplines, though specific details are scarce in early texts.

Belonging to the Shakya clan, an ancient group from the Himalayan foothills, Siddhartha was born into a Hindu (Vedic) cultural setting.

However, his spiritual journey ultimately led him to renounce worldly life, attain enlightenment, and establish Buddhism—a path that would profoundly influence religious thought across Asia and beyond.

Career

Gautama Buddha, born into a royal family, made a life-altering decision at the age of 29 to renounce his princely life in pursuit of a deeper understanding of human suffering.

Leaving behind his family and comforts, he embarked on a path of intense spiritual practice and asceticism. However, after years of extreme self-denial, he came to the realization that neither indulgence nor severe austerity led to true liberation.

This insight led him to adopt the “Middle Way”—a balanced approach that avoids both extremes.

At the age of 35, while meditating under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Gautama attained enlightenment and became known as the Buddha, meaning “the awakened one.”

After a period of contemplation, he resolved to share his insight with others. His first sermon, delivered in Sarnath to five former companions, is known as the “Turning of the Wheel of Dharma.” In it, he introduced the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path—core principles that form the foundation of Buddhist thought.

Following this, the Buddha established a monastic community called the Sangha and spent the next 45 years traveling across northeastern India.

He preached in local dialects, tailoring his teachings to diverse audiences and emphasizing ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom as the path to Nirvana—liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

The Buddha passed away at the age of 80 in Kushinagara. His cremated remains were distributed as relics and became sacred objects of veneration. After his death, his disciples preserved and spread his teachings, laying the groundwork for the global spread of Buddhism.

Social Media

Gautama Buddha does not have social media accounts.

Personal Life

Gautama Buddha was married to Princess Yaśodharā, his first cousin and the daughter of King Suppabuddha and Queen Amitha.

They were married at the age of sixteen and shared a respectful and harmonious relationship, though not driven by strong worldly attachment. The couple had one son, Rāhula, who was born on the same day Siddhartha left the palace in search of spiritual truth.

Rāhula later joined the monastic order at a young age and became known for his dedication to Buddhist teachings and discipline.

After 45 years of spreading his teachings across India, Gautama Buddha passed away at the age of 80 in Kushinagar in 483 BCE, following an illness. His death marked the final liberation, or Parinirvana, and his teachings continued to shape spiritual practice across the world.

Net Worth

Gautama Buddha’s financial status or net worth is unknown, as he is primarily recognized as a wandering ascetic and spiritual teacher who lived in South Asia during the 6th or 5th century BCE and founded Buddhism.

His life was devoted to renunciation, meditation, and teaching, rather than material wealth.