Did the Buddha love his wife Yasodhara?
Ancient scriptures suggest deep mutual affection and respect. The Jataka texts portray their relationship across lifetimes as an intentional spiritual partnership. His departure was driven not by emotional coldness, but by an existential crisis regarding old age, illness, and death.
What happened to Princess Yasodhara after Siddhartha left?
Rather than remarrying, Yasodhara adopted Siddhartha's ascetic habits within the palace. After the Buddha established the order of Buddhist nuns (bhikkhunis) under the insistence of Mahapajapati Gotami, Yasodhara entered the order, attained the status of an arahant, and died at age 78, two years before the Buddha.
Did the Buddha have any children?
Yes. Siddhartha Gautama and Princess Yasodhara had one son, Prince Rahula, born when Siddhartha was 29. Rahula later joined the monastic community and became an arahant.
