Marriage Story of Siddhartha Gautam and Yeshodhara

Siddhartha Gautam and Yeshodhara got Married.

• There was a Sakya by name Dandapani. Yeshodhara was his daughter. She was well known for her beauty and for her ' sila."
• Yeshodhara had reached her sixteenth year and Dandapani was thinking about her marriage.
• According to custom Dandapani sent invitations to young men of all the neighbouring countries for the Swayamvar of his daughter. 
• An invitation was also sent to Siddharth Gautama. 
• Siddharth Gautama had completed his sixteenth year. His parents also were equally anxious to get him married.
• They asked him to go to the Swayamvar and offer his hand to Yeshodhara. He agreed to follow his parents' wishes.
• From amongst the young men Yeshodhara's choice fell on Siddharth Gautama.
• Dandapani was not very happy. He felt doubtful about the success of the marriage.
• Siddharth, he felt, was addicted to the company of saints and sages. He preferred loneliness. How could he be a successful householder?
• Yeshodhara, who was determined to marry none but Siddharth, asked her father whether to be in the company of saints and sages was a crime. She did not think it was.
• Knowing her daughter's determination to marry no one but Siddharth Gautama, the mother of Yeshodhara told Dandapani that he must consent. Dandapani did. 
• The rivals of Gautama were not only disappointed but felt that they were insulted. 
• They wanted that in fairness to them Yeshodhara should have applied some test for her selection. But she did not.
• For the time being they kept quiet, believing that Dandapani would not allow Yeshodhara to choose Siddharth Gautama so that their purpose would be served. 
• But when Dandapani failed, they made bold and demanded that a test of skill in archery be prescribed. Dandapani had to agree.
• At first Siddharth was not prepared for this. But Channa, his charioteer, pointed out to him what disgrace his refusal would bring upon his father, upon his family and upon Yeshodhara. 
• Siddharth Gautama was greatly impressed by this argument and agreed to take part in the contest. 
• The contest began. Each candidate showed his skill in turn.
• Gautama's turn came last. But his was the highest marksmanship.
• Thereafter the marriage took place. Both Suddhodana and Dandapani were happy. So was Yeshodhara and Mahaprajapati.
• After a long term of married life Yeshodhara gave birth to a son. He was named Rahula.

Siddhartha Gautam and Yeshodhara