Pronunciation: [vɪhˈɑːɹə] (IPA) 
The word "Vihara" is pronounced as /vɪˈhɑːrə/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. It is a Sanskrit word that refers to a Buddhist monastery or temple. The spelling of "Vihara" originates from the Devanagari script used in Nepali and Sanskrit. It is also used in other languages such as Pali, Sinhala, and Bengali. This word is commonly used in South and Southeast Asia, where it is an important part of Buddhist culture and architecture.
Vihara, noun:
1. In Buddhism, a vihara refers to a monastery or a dwelling place for Buddhist monks or nuns. It is a place where Buddhist practitioners live, meditate, study, and perform religious activities. Viharas hold great significance in Buddhist communities as they provide a sanctuary for individuals to live a monastic life and deepen their spiritual practice. These structurally and architecturally designed buildings often include living quarters, meditation halls, libraries, and classrooms, serving as places for both communal and individual spiritual development.
2. The term "vihara" can also refer to a Buddhist temple or a worship space where lay Buddhists gather to engage in religious rituals and practices. These viharas usually feature ornate decorations, sacred images of the Buddha and other important figures, and spaces for group worship, chanting, and offering prayers. They serve as centers for religious gatherings, meditation sessions, teachings, and ceremonies, fostering a strong sense of community among Buddhist followers.
3. The word "vihara" can be traced back to ancient Sanskrit and Pali languages, where it originally meant "a place of retreat" or "a resting place." Beyond its religious context, vihara can also refer to any kind of dwelling or building used for lodging, shelter, or refuge in general.
Overall, vihara represents an essential element in Buddhism, providing sanctuaries for both monastic communities and lay practitioners, and serving as physical spaces for spiritual growth, contemplation, and communal worship.
The word "Vihara" originates from Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language. In Sanskrit, the word "Vihara" (विहार) is derived from the root verb "Viharati" (विहरति), which means "to wander" or "to roam". was primarily used to refer to a place of solitude or retreat for Buddhist monks or ascetics. These places were typically located in serene natural surroundings where the monks could wander, meditate, and contemplate in peace.
Over time, the word "Vihara" came to denote not only the physical abode of monks but also the monastic communities or establishments associated with Buddhism. It became a term used to describe Buddhist temples, monasteries, or religious complexes where monks would live, study scriptures, and practice their spiritual disciplines.
