Step 1: Buddha's Family Background.
Gautama Buddha, born in Kapilvastu, belonged to the Śākya clan. His father, Śuddhodana, was the king of the Śākya clan.
Step 2: Significance of Śuddhodana.
Śuddhodana attempted to shield his son, Siddhartha, from worldly suffering by providing him with all the comforts of royalty. However, after witnessing the four great sights (birth, old age, sickness, and death), Siddhartha chose the path of renunciation.
Step 3: Options Analysis.
- (1) Rājarāja: No relation.
- (2) Śuddhodana: Correct, Buddha's father.
- (3) Devadatta: Buddha's cousin, who later became an adversary.
- (4) Ānanda: Buddha's disciple and attendant, not his father.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Buddha's father was named Śuddhodana.