by Mary Paliescheskey

Created on: July 11, 2011   Last Updated: March 12, 2012

Buddhist architecture evolved and spread as the Buddhism moved throughout Asia. The buildings were used for religious purposes and comprised three basic forms: viharas (monasteries), stupas, and chaityagrihas (temples). While the architectural forms have different functions, one site may contain one to all three of the forms. The shape that these structures take depends upon the region in which they are located: India, China, or Japan. Buddhism began in India and spread. Therefore, the following is specific to architecture found in India. Chinese and Japanese architecture will be discussed at the end of the article.

• Vihara

A Vihara is a Buddhist monastery which developed from simple shacks used to shelter monks during the rainy season. As part of Buddhist philosophy, these monks had no worldly possessions and needed to be sheltered by local communities. Wealthy followers, who wanted to show their honor to the monks, began the building of larger, permanent structures. At first, wooden structures were used to house monks and contained a central meditation space surrounded by cells used by the monks. Eventually, these structures were built of stone or carved into caves. They became used as centers for learning, religious centers, and housing for the monks.

An example of a Vihara which contains various functions within the one structure is the Ajanta Caves. These caves were carved and built from the 2cd century BCE through the 6th century A.D. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, these caves contain 5 chaityagrihas and 25 viharas. The caves were carved through patronage of royalty. Inscriptions as to the donor are found in many locations throughout the site. This monastery shows evidence of being patterned on older wooden buildings. The roof and rafter beams replicate wooden structures, but are not functional.

Art work is very important in Buddhist architecture and is evident in several forms. Intricate stone carvings adorn the walls, ceilings, and columns. Paintings were placed on some walls. Statues of the Buddha can be found. The art is all related to religious teachings and tells stories.

• Chaityagrihas

A Chaityagrihas is a temple and place of worship. In general, the structure consists of a long narrow (8 meters wide) hall that ends in aspe, a domed semi-circular space, which usually contains a stupa. The length of the hall is bordered by pillars. The entrance to the temple is an arched doorway supported by columns. An example

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