बौद्धकालीन लेण्या आणि विहारे

Vihāra Vihara  generally refers to a  monastery  for  Buddhist renunciates . The concept is ancient and in early  Sanskrit  and  Pali  texts, it meant any arrangement of space or facilities for pleasure and entertainment. [2] [3]  The term evolved into an architectural concept wherein it refers to living quarters for monks with an open shared space or courtyard, particularly in Buddhism. The term is also found in Ajivika, Hindu and Jain monastic literature, usually referring to temporary refuge for wandering monks or nuns during the annual Indian monsoons. [2] [4] [5]  In modern Jainism, the monks continue to wander from town to town except during the rainy season ( Chaturmas ), the term "vihara" refers their wanderings. [6] [7] Vihāra Kanha  Cave vihara in the  Nasik Caves , 1st century BCE, is one of the earliest. [1] 5th century Cave 4 at the  Ajanta Caves  with a Buddha statue in the centre shrine cell. Vihara or ...