25 Key Facts About Buddhism and Gautama Buddha

Buddhism is one of the major religions of the world, founded by Gautama Buddha, also known as the "Light of Asia." His life, teachings, and the development of Buddhist councils shaped the philosophy and practices that continue to influence millions across the globe.

Gautama Buddha was born in 563 BCE at Lumbini, which was part of the Kosala Mahajanapada. His childhood name was Siddhartha. His father was King Shuddhodana, the ruler of Kapilavastu, and his mother was Maya Devi. After the death of his mother, Siddhartha was raised by his stepmother, Prajapati Gautami. He was married to Yasodhara, and they had a son named Rahula.

1. Founder of Buddhism – Gautama Buddha
2. Vice President of the Fourth Buddhist Council – Ashvaghosha
3. Birthplace of Gautama Buddha – Lumbini, under the Kosala Mahajanapada
4. Stepmother of Buddha – Prajapati Gautami
5. First two disciples of Buddha – Kallika and Tapassu
6. Age at which Buddha renounced worldly life – 29 years
7. Last sermon of Gautama Buddha – “All things are perishable, therefore man should be his own guide.”
8. Known as the Light of Asia – Gautama Buddha
9. Fourth Buddhist Council held during the reign of – Kanishka (Kushan dynasty)
10. Three Jewels (Triratna) of Buddhism – Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha
11. Mother of Gautama Buddha – Maya Devi
12. Why Varanasi was famous during Buddha’s time – For ivory work
13. Third Buddhist Council held – At Pataliputra in 251 BCE, under the chairmanship of Moggaliputta Tissa
14. Year of Buddha’s birth – 563 BCE
15. Place where Buddha attained enlightenment – Bodh Gaya
16. Purpose of the Fourth Buddhist Council – Division of Buddhism into two sects: Hinayana and Mahayana
17. Stone craftsmen during Buddha’s period were called – Kohak
18. Father of Gautama Buddha – Shuddhodana
19. Son of Gautama Buddha – Rahula
20. Meaning of the term ‘Santhagara’ in Buddhist texts – An assembly or council formed for state administration
21. Exact birthplace of Buddha – Lumbini, in Kapilavastu
22. Place of Buddha’s first sermon – Sarnath
23. Event of Buddha’s renunciation known as – Mahabhinishkramana (Great Renunciation)
24. Third Buddhist Council was held during the reign of – Emperor Ashoka (Maurya dynasty)
25. Childhood name of Gautama Buddha – Siddhartha