In the sixth century before the Christian era, religion was forgotten in India. The lofty teachings of the Vedas were thrown into the background. There was much priest craft everywhere. The insincere priests traded on religion. They duped the people in a variety of ways and amassed wealth for themselves. At such a critical period, when there were cruelty, degeneration and unrighteousness everywhere, reformer Buddha was born to save the people and disseminate the message of equality, unity and cosmic love everywhere.