Buddhacharita is a Sanskrit epic poem written by the ancient Indian poet Asvaghosa in the 1st or 2nd century CE. It narrates the life of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha. The poem explores his journey from a sheltered prince to a spiritual seeker, culminating in his enlightenment. The text is divided into several chapters, each detailing significant events in the Buddha's life, such as his birth, renunciation, and the attainment of Nirvana. Buddhacharita is considered one of the earliest biographies of the Buddha and serves as an important source for understanding early Buddhist teachings and philosophy.