Vihar

Vihar is an ancient monastic complex found in India, particularly associated with Buddhism. It served as a residential and educational site for monks, featuring courtyards, living quarters, meditation halls, and stupas. Built to support spiritual practice and learning, vihars provided a communal environment where monks studied, meditated, and conducted religious activities. Historically, they played a key role in disseminating Buddhist teachings and culture across regions. Today, many vihars are important archaeological and historical sites that offer insight into early Indian spiritual and social life.