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Significance of Gotama

Gotama is a term used in both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism to refer to the historical Buddha. In Mahayana, Gotama is acknowledged as the teacher who led followers to enlightenment. Conversely, in Theravada, Gotama signifies not only the founder of Buddhism but also plays a central role in the monastic life and the enforcement of the Patimokkha rules, where monks confess their offenses and seek guidance from his teachings.1
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Synonyms: Siddhartha gautama, Buddha, Tathagata

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Gotama'

Buddhism Books

Gotama in Buddhism represents the historical Buddha, pivotal for establishing the teachings and disciplinary rules that underpin monastic life and guide practitioners towards enlightenment, particularly through the enactment of the Patimokkha rules.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks鈥� rules)

(1) Referring to the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, whose teachings and disciplinary rules shape the foundations of monastic life.[1] (2) Referring to the historical Buddha, who is central to the enactment of the Patimokkha rules as the monks avowed their offences and sought guidance.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) The historical Buddha, revered as the teacher who shared the path leading to enlightenment.[3]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.