VTITARA. The Buddhist vihara or monasteries are of two kinds :-1st, Cave vihara, of which several magnificent specimens have been de scribed by Mr. Fergusson ; and 2d, Structural vihara, of which some specimens still remain at Sanchi, but in a very ruinous condition.
The vihara or monastery caves of the first class consist of—(1) :natural caverns, or caves slightly improved by art ; these are the most ancient, and are found appropriated to religious purposes in Behar and Cuttack ; next (2) a ver andah opening. behind into cells for the abode of monks, as in Cuttack and in the oldest vihara at Ajunta ; the third (3) has an enlarged hall sup ported on pillars. The most splendid of these caves are those of Ajunta, though the Dherwara at Ellora is also fme, and there are sOme good specimens at Salsette and Junnar. The word vihara is supposed by some to be the source of the name Behar. Bihar or Vihar, the Sanskrit
term for monastery, occurs in Unao in the pro vince of Oudh, and again in Partabgarh in the same province. Vihara are also called Bhikshu griha. Vihara were for the accommodation of Buddidst bhikhshus or mendicant monks living tog_eIer in communities. The earliest form seems have been one or more griha or cells with a 11111,rtndah (padasala) or porch. Groups of caves are often called Lenas. There was usually a permanent spring or a cistern cut in the rock, beside or under the cell. In former times this term was applied differently from now. Hiwen Thsang named the great tower at Buddha Gya a vihara, and the Mahawanso applies the term indiscriminately to temples and residences. Modern writers restrict it to monasteries of the Buddhists. —Ferg. and Burg. Cave Temples.