Siddhartha Gautama was born on the full moon of May c.563 BCE in what was then northern India (modern Nepal). It is believed that He entered His mother's womb as a baby, white elephant (a symbol of purity). --how is this similar to Christ's conception and birth?-- Siddhartha was born out of His mother's side, another sign of purity and cleanliness, since it was believed to be unclean to be born through the birth canal. His mother died 7 days after His birth.
Siddhartha was the son of the king of the Shakya tribe. Upon His birth, a Hindu priest predicted that He would either become a great warrior king or a religious leader. To prevent Him from becoming a religious man Siddhartha's father would not let him leave the palace grounds. He kept Him secluded from the outside world. When He did leave, the town was always "prepared" for Him. His father made sure that there was only happy sights for Him to see.
THE FOUR SIGHTS
One day Siddhartha snuck away from the palace and entered the city. There He saw 4 things that would change Him forever. First, He saw an old man, worn by age. Second, He saw a sick man, ravaged by disease (leprosy). Third, He saw a corpse. And, finally, He saw an ascetic monk. The monk had given up everything in life, but he was the only one smiling. It was then and there that Siddhartha gave up his life of privilege and wealth and became a religious man. He began his search to find happiness for himself and all others.