What Is a Vihara? Monasteries in Buddhist History

The word vihara is commonly used for a Buddhist monastic residence. Archaeological sites across India show viharas with residential cells, shared spaces and relationships to stupas, shrines and teaching areas.

Nalanda provides an especially important example of the monastic institution as a centre of learning. At other sites, smaller monasteries served travelling monks and local communities.

When visiting a monastery today, remember that it remains a living religious environment. Tourist access may be limited in residential or ceremonial areas.

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