where did buddhism originate

Buddhism originated in the northeastern region of the Indian subcontinent around the 5th century BCE. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, who was born in Lumbini, now in present-day Nepal. From there, Buddhism spread throughout India and later to other parts of Asia. The religion emerged during a time of great intellectual and social ferment and developed out of the Śramaṇa movements that were distinct from the Vedic tradition. Siddhartha Gautama taught a path to spiritual awakening and the alleviation of suffering, which led to the formation of the Buddhist community known as the Sangha.