Siddhattha
was predicted by astrologers of his time to be a future Buddha (or Bodhisatta).
He is called ‘Buddha’ because he reached supreme enlightenment (Samma sambuddho)
at the age of 35.
The pre-requisites for becoming a Buddha are fulfilling the
ten Paramis, meeting a Buddha or the disciple of a Buddha, hearing the teaching
(of the four Noble Truths) from them, grasping the teaching and then sharing it
with others out of compassion.