[Solved] Mahabhinishkramana: Buddha's Great Departure Explained

Which of the events of Buddha's life is known as 'Mahabhinishkramana'?

[UPPCS Mains 2014]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

In Buddhist tradition, the life of Siddhartha Gautama is marked by several 'Great Events', each assigned a specific Sanskrit term and a visual symbol.

Authentic Source Evidence

Mahabhinishkramana (The Great Departure) refers to the night when Prince Siddhartha left his palace, family, and wealth at the age of 29 to become a wandering ascetic. It is symbolized by the Horse.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option C is correct. This act marks the beginning of his quest for the end of suffering.

Logic 2: His birth (B) is 'Janma'. His enlightenment (D) is 'Sambodhi' or 'Nirvana'. His death (A) is 'Maha Parinirvana'.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What prompted the Mahabhinishkramana?"

The 'Four Sights'—witnessing an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and an ascetic—which led him to question the nature of suffering.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Great Departure is celebrated as the ultimate act of renunciation, showing that material abundance cannot solve the existential problem of suffering."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Asceticism 2

Analysing authentic UPPCS Mainsprevious year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Life of the Buddha helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like Mahabhinishkramana and Buddha's great departure builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →