King Suddhodana

royalty

King Suddhodana was the ruler of the Shakya clan and the father of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha. He is often depicted as a figure deeply concerned with the well-being of his son and the future of his kingdom. Suddhodana played a significant role in Siddhartha's early life, providing him with luxury and protection in an attempt to shield him from the harsh realities of life. His desire for Siddhartha to become a great king rather than a spiritual leader is a pivotal aspect of the Buddha's origin story.