The birth anniversary of Lord Buddha is celebrated all over India both by the Mahayana and the Hinayana Buddhists as the Buddha Purnima. In about 500 B.C. Prince Siddhartha Goutama, was born in the small kingdom of Kapilavastu, now in the Indo-Nepal border. now in the Indo-Nepal border. According to Buddhist mythology, days before his birth, his mother, the Queen of Kapilavastu, wife of King Shuddhodhan, visited the forest of Lumbini, and there while

sleeping she dreamt that a white elephant had entered her belly. She took this as a charm. Soon a son was born and the parents decided to call her Siddhartha. Young Siddhartha was an exceptionally kind hearted boy and continued to grow up in the same manner. He was married to princess Yashodhara who bore him a son whom they named Rahul. But somehow, Siddhartha was not happy with his life.

One day, while strolling through his capital in a chariot, Siddhartha saw an aged sick man, then a very old man and then a dead body, one after another. He saw suffering and realized that he should find out a way from the pain and earthly sufferings. He made up his mind to leave his family and palace in search of the 'Nirvana' or the ultimate knowledge.

After years of salvation, in Gaya he attained 'Nirvana' and was known Buddha or the enlightened one. He 1st preached at Sarnath. His teachings are called the 'Ashtangika Marg' or the eight-fold path.

Step 1: Right knowledge
Step 2: Right intention
Step 3: Right speech
Step 4: Right conduct
Step 5: Right means of livelihood
Step 6: Right effort
Step 7: Right mindfulness
Step 8: Right concentration

His teachings are accumulated in 3 books: Sutta pitaka, Vinaya pitaka and Avidhamma pitaka, together known as Tripitaka.