SUDDHODANA

Suddhodana was the ruler of the Sakyā tribe and the father of Siddhattha Gotama. The name means 'Pure Rice.' Traditionally, Suddhodana is said to have been a great king but he was probably more like a ruler elected by the Sākyan tribal council. Most courts in ancient India had a body of men called 'king makers' (rājakattāra, D.II,233). No doubt it was such a group who elected Suddhodana to rule over them and the rest of the tribe. Suddhodana had two wives - Mahā Māyā who was Siddhattha's mother and who died soon after his birth, and Mahā Pajāpatī Gotamī who became his step-mother. Suddhodana was very critical of his son's desire to renounce the world but eventually became his supporter and disciple.