A range of monasteries grew up during the Pāla period in ancient Magadha (modern Bihar) and Bengal. According to Tibetan sources, five great mahaviharas stood out: Vikramashila , the premier university of the era; Nalanda , past its prime but still illustrious, Somapura , Odantapurā , and Jagaddala . [ 33 ]

Vihara, early type of Buddhist monastery consisting of an open court surrounded by open cells accessible through an entrance porch. The viharas in India were originally constructed to shelter the monks during the rainy season, when it became difficult for them to lead the wanderer’s life.

A Vihara (Sanskrit: meaning "dwelling" or "house") was the ancient Indian term for a Buddhist monastery. Originally, viharas were dwelling places used by wandering monks during the rainy season but eventually they evolved into centers of learning and Buddhist architecture through the donations of wealthy lay Buddhists. Subsequent royal ...

2019年3月27日 · Viharas were typically caves and involved cutting into the rock. They typically consisted of large halls and a series of small cells that contained a bed and pillow carved from stone. Viharas also usually contained monuments and symbols of Buddhist worship. The most significant part of a vihara is the shrine room, which is used for worship.

2024年8月26日 · Viharas and Viharas Chaityas are two major types of Buddhist rock-cut architecture that played a significant role in the spread and development of Buddhism in ancient India. Viharas served as monasteries housing monks for spiritual learning and meditation, while Chaityas were sacred assembly halls for congregational worship.

Viharas in Ancient India: A Survey of Buddhist Monasteries. Author: Barua, Dipak Kumar. Keywords: Buddhist monasteries -- India -- History. Publisher: Indian Publications, Calcutta. Source: Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi. Type: E …

2018年11月21日 · Vihara is the ancient Indian term for a Buddhist monastery. They originally were used as dwelling places for wandering monks during the months of the rainy season; however, they later became learning centers where Mahayana Buddhism was taught.

Mahavihara (Mahāvihāra) is the Sanskrit and Pali term for a great vihara (centre of learning or Buddhist monastery) and is used to describe a monastic complex of viharas. Mahaviharas of India. A range of monasteries grew up in ancient Magadha (modern Bihar) and Bengal.

Viharas were monasteries that were built to house monks. Viharas began as temporary shelters for wandering monks during the rainy season, but because of gifts from affluent lay Buddhists, they soon blossomed into centers of scholarship and Buddhist architecture .

Buddhist monasteries in India, known as viharas, took various forms but generally had some common features. They were often located in remote, natural settings and consisted of a central open courtyard surrounded by cells for monks. The …