Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v1.c6.s29.278

v1.c6.s29.278

Thsang, for instance, calls the great tower at Buddh Gaya a vihāra, and describes similar towers at Nalanda, 200 and 300 feet high, as vihāras. The Mahawanso also applies the term indiscriminately to temples of a certain class, and to residences. My *impression* is that all buildings designed in storeys were called *vihāras* (?), whether used for the abode of priests or to enshrine relics or images. The name was used to distinguish them from stupas or towers, which were relic shrines, or erected as memorials of places or events, and never were residences or simulated to be such, or contained images, till the last gasp of the style, as at Kholvi. At present this is only a theory." (This is a false *impression*: it is not substantiated by literary or archæological evidences). Like the chaityas, "these (Viharas or monasteries) resemble very closely corresponding institutions among Christians. In the earlier ages they accompanied, but were detached from, the chaityas or churches. In later times they were furnished with chapels and altars in which the service could be performed independently of the Chaitya halls, which may or may not be found in their proximity." Fergusson.