An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c19.s12.t1.1

v1.c19.s12.t1.1

While it is certain that Brāhmaṇical monks had their own *āśramas* no remnants of any such establishments going back to ancient times have come to light. It is likely that such cloisters as the ones enclosing the Hoysaḷa temples in Karnataka served as temporary residences of wandering monks. More permanent establishments in the form of *maṭhas* were also in existence all over the country as is evident from references in literature and inscriptions, but their remains are lacking. Brāhmaṇical cave-temples abound as Buddhist and Jaina ones but they do not have the aspect of monastic residences.