What is the purpose of Chaityas in Buddhist architecture?

Chaitya and stupa both are sacred places for the Buddhist community. A chaitya is considered as the earliest form of a stupa. In modern text on Indian architecture, the term chaitya-griha (chaitya hall) is often used to denote assembly or prayer hall that houses a stupa. In a sense it is similar to a house or griha.

What are Chaityas and viharas?

Viharas were for the purpose of living, Chaityas were assemblies for the purpose of discussions. Further, Chaityas were with Stupas, Viharas did not have stupas. Both early Chaityas and Viharas were made by woods and later stone-cut Chaityas and Viharas were made. Viharas were the residences of the monks.

What are the main features of chaityas?

The term is most common in Buddhism, where it refers to a space with a stupa and a rounded apse at the end opposite the entrance, and a high roof with a rounded profile. Strictly speaking, the chaitya is the stupa itself, and the Indian buildings are chaitya halls, but this distinction is often not observed.

What is the meaning of chaityas?

Definition of chaitya India. : a sacred place : shrine, monument — compare dagoba, stupa, tope.

What is a vihara in Buddhism?

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.

What are the main features of Chaityas?

Why was the Buddhist stupa built?

Buddhist stupas were originally built to house the earthly remains of the historical Buddha and his associates and are almost invariably found at sites sacred to Buddhism. Stupas were also built by adherents of Jainism to commemorate their saints.

What were viharas answer?

Viharas are permanent shelters which were made by monks and nuns. These are also known as monasteries. The earliest viharas were made of wood, and then of brick.

What are stupas chaityas and viharas From Ancient Times of India?

Shakeel Anwar. The Buddhist architecture is mainly consisting of Chaityas, Viahras, Stupa and Stambhas. Chaityas were the place of worship in Buddhism, whereas Viharas were dwelling place of monks.

What is the difference between a viharas and a chaityas?

Viharas means small centred halls sometimes connected with beds which are carved from the stone. Unlike Chaityas Viharas are small. Some of the large caves like Ajanta, Ellora, and Aurangabad caves and Kanheri caves.

What are the three types of Buddhist architecture?

Buddhist Architecture. • Three types of structures are associated with the religious architecture of early Buddhism: monasteries (Viharas), places to venerate relics (stupas), and shrines or prayer halls (chaityas also called chaitya grihas), which later came to be called temples in some places.

What is the importance of viharas in Buddhism?

Buddhists Viharas meant as a place of residence for monks and also a place for religious work and Buddhist learning. Monks wandered from one place to another by preaching’s the principles of Buddhism. During rainy season or when these monks wanted to rest they stayed in temporary shelters or in Viharas.

What was the last chaitya hall built in India?

Many of the freestanding Chaitya halls which were built using stone or brick have survived. By 10th century the Chaityas were taken over by Viharas. The last rock cut chaitya hall that was built was Cave 10 at Ellora. The last freestanding chaitya hall may be Durga temple at Aihole.