Prince Siddhartha and Yashodhara were blessed with a baby boy who was named Rahul. King Shuddhodhana was delighted to have a grandson and he invited the best artists and had the best food for everyone. The King thought all this abundance and celebration would distract Prince Siddhartha from his misery after his four sightings of the old man, sick man, dead man and the monk.

The legend says that Prince Siddhartha attended the celebration only out of respect for his father, but eventually fell asleep as his mind was pre-occupied. By the time the celebration was over, Prince Siddhartha had made his mind up to leave all these luxurious pleasure and wealthy life and become a monk or a sage. Once the celebrations were over, Prince Siddhartha went to see his new-born son and wife. As Queen Yashodhara had her hand on the baby, he did not even cuddle the baby as he feared waking his wife who could prevent him from leaving. 

Quietly, he left the palace at midnight and took his favourite white horse, Kanthak and his faithful servant, Channa. He also took his sword and cut his long hair, wore clothes that are worn by monks, took a bowl for alms and took a last look at his city, Kapilavatthu and rode away. He removed his jewellery and princely clothes and gave everything to Channa so that he could return to the king. He then asked Channa to go back with Kanthak as he did not want Channa to go through the hardships. It is also said that his faithful horse Kanthak died once his master left him.