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Buddha: Quick Facts

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News •

India-linked Buddha relics to be enshrined in 108 chortens in Bhutan • Oct. 31, 2026, 11:36 AM ET (The Hindu)
Australia hands Ming dynasty Buddha back to China amid ongoing mystery over its arrival • Oct. 22, 2026, 3:00 AM ET (Toronto Star)

Facts

Also Known As Śākyamuni • Shaka Nyorai • Siddhattha • Gotama Buddha • Sage of the Śākyas • Siddhartha Gautama • Gautama Buddha • Shakyamuni • Shaka
Born Lumbini • Nepal
Died India
Notable Family Members mother Maha Maya

Did You Know?

  • The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the sacred sites surrounding the Buddha's life since it is built on the spot where the Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment.
  • Theraveda Buddhism, which stresses the humanity of Buddha, is popular in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and some parts of India.
  • There is a 5th century monument called Dhamekh Stupa built at Sarnath commemorating the Buddha's first sermon.

Photos

Mahā Māyā dreaming of the white elephant
dream of Maya presaging the Buddha's birth
Gautama Buddha
seated Buddha
Large stone statue of a reclining Buddha carved into a rock face at Gal Vihara, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, with remnants of brick structures in front.
Stupa III at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
Buddha
Stone Buddha statue seated in meditation surrounded by bell-shaped stupas at Borobudur Temple in Java, Indonesia, with intricate ancient stonework visible under a blue sky.
Shakyamuni
Stone Buddha statue seated in meditation posture at the vatadage in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, with ancient brick ruins and blue sky in the background.
See All Images →

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