Final answer:
In Buddhism, architectural styles range from brick temples like the Mahabodhi Temple to grand wooden structures like the Tōdaiji (Great Eastern Temple). Buildings are often adorned with Buddha statues and mandalas, symbolizing both religious and imperial power.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Buddhist tradition, there are several types of buildings, each with its own significance and architectural style. The Mahabodhi Temple, a classic example of brick architecture from India, showcases carved niches with Buddha images and is recognized for its high walls and elaborately carved entrances. Originating from the Gupta Period, this temple is part of the four holy sites related to the Buddha's enlightenment journey. Buddhist international style includes rock-cut temples, wooden towers, and halls unprecedented in scale before their introduction. The Konpon Daito Pagoda features a tahoto style, presenting a two-story structure with a pyramidal roof, housing Buddha statues and a unique three-dimensional mandala.
Enormous structures like the wooden tower built by Tang Empress Wu signify not only religious devotion but also the vast power of the rulers. The Gupta Period also saw innovations like arched temples and the construction of Nalanda University, a beautifully crafted complex of dorms and classrooms with sculptural walls. The Tōdaiji (Great Eastern Temple) in Japan, the world's largest wooden structure, illustrates the grand scale typical of significant Buddhist architecture, reflecting both religious devotion and a political message.