Chaitya

A chaitya is a Buddhist worship hall or prayer chamber, often built in ancient India. It typically features a stupa—an important religious monument—at its center, which contains relics of the Buddha or other saints. These halls are designed for meditation, prayer, and ceremonies, with a focus on spiritual connection. Architecturally, chaityas may have a vaulted roof, pillars, and elaborate carvings representing stories from Buddhist teachings. They served as communal spaces for monks and devotees, playing a crucial role in early Buddhist practice and art.