How to Pronounce Śuddhodana (original Sanskrit)

Meaning and Context

Śuddhodana (शुद्धोदन), whose name in Sanskrit signifies "pure rice" or "one who grows pure rice," was the revered raja (king) of the Sakya janapada (republic) in the ancient city of Kapilavastu, located in present-day Nepal. As the father of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, Śuddhodana's narrative is central to early Buddhist texts and the Jataka tales, illustrating the tension between worldly duty and spiritual destiny. A member of the Kshatriya (warrior) caste, he is famously depicted as a protective and affluent ruler who, upon hearing a prophecy that his son would become either a universal monarch or a great ascetic, attempted to shield Siddhartha from the sights of suffering and old age. This paternal effort, ultimately futile, set in motion the Prince's Great Renunciation and subsequent enlightenment. Śuddhodana's own journey from a grieving father to a devoted lay follower, eventually attaining Arhatship after hearing the Dharma from his son, underscores key Buddhist themes of impermanence and liberation, making him a pivotal figure in Buddhist history and the life of Gautama Buddha.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and most accurate transliteration from the original Sanskrit is Śuddhodana, featuring the diacritical mark (the acute accent) over the 'S' to denote the palatal sibilant 'sh' sound (श). Common alternative spellings and frequent errors arise from omitting this diacritical, resulting in Suddhodana, which is widely accepted in non-specialist English texts. Other frequent misspellings include Shuddhodana (replacing 'Ś' with 'Sh'), Suddodana (dropping an 'h'), and Sudhodana. The name is sometimes incorrectly concatenated (e.g., Suddho Dana) or confused with similar-sounding names from Buddhist lore, such as Suddhana. When searching for information, using the simplified "Suddhodana" is often the most practical, though scholars and precise encyclopedic entries prioritize the diacritical form to maintain linguistic fidelity to the Sanskrit term शुद्धोदन.

Example Sentences

According to traditional accounts, King Śuddhodana arranged a life of unparalleled luxury within the palace walls to prevent his son, Siddhartha, from encountering the spiritual path.

After the Buddha's enlightenment, he returned to Kapilavastu, where he taught the Dharma to Śuddhodana, who became a sotāpanna, or stream-enterer.

The narrative of Śuddhodana's initial reluctance and ultimate acceptance provides a poignant familial dimension to the story of the Buddha's mission.

Many Buddhist art depictions show Śuddhodana in a state of royal sorrow upon learning of his son's renunciation.

The king's eventual attainment of enlightenment as a layperson is celebrated as a testament to the universal accessibility of the Buddha's teachings.

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