Thinkers, Beliefs and Building Test - 3

One such prominent example of cave temple architecture are the Badami Cave Temples at Badami, the early Chalukya capital, carved out in the 6th century.

Stupa represents 'Mahaparinibba', while empty seat indicates meditation.

In Buddhist architecture, a square fence-like enclosure symbolizing heaven on top of the dome of a stupa. The harmika encloses the yasti with its chatras.

Mahavira and Buddha questioned the authority of the Vedas. Both Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, and Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, challenged the supremacy of the Vedic rituals and the caste system prevalent in ancient Indian society. They emphasized personal spiritual development, moral conduct, and the pursuit of enlightenment through individual effort rather than adherence to traditional Vedic practices. 

Mahapajapati Gotami was the foster-mother, step-mother, and maternal aunt (mother's sister) of the Buddha.

The group of disciples or Buddha followers in Buddhism is called the Sangha. The Sangha consists of ordained monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis), as well as laypersons who have taken refuge in the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) and are actively involved in Buddhist practice and community activities. The Sangha plays a crucial role in preserving and propagating the teachings of Buddha, practicing meditation, and providing support and guidance to the Buddhist community.

The principle of ahimsa (non-violence) emphasized within Jainism has not only left its mark on Indian thinking but also on global ethical and moral frameworks. Ahimsa is a central tenet of Jain philosophy and has influenced various aspects of Indian culture and spirituality, including the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian independence movement.

Buddha's teachings were compiled by his disciples and are known as Tripitikas called the Sutta Pitaka, the Abhidhamma Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka. The Tripitaka has written in the Pali language. The Sutta Pitaka deals with the teachings of the Dhamma of Buddha.

Buddha's foster mother Mahapajapati Gotami was the first woman to be ordained as a bhikkhuni. Mahapajapati Gotami was the foster-mother, step-mother, and maternal aunt (mother's sister) of the Buddha.

Buddha preached his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta or "Turning the Wheel of Dharma," at the Deer Park in Sarnath, not in a deer forest at Sachi. Sarnath is located near Varanasi (Benares), Uttar Pradesh, and it is where Buddha delivered his first sermon to his five former companions after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.