Question 1

What is Vihara architecture style?

Accepted Answer

Ancient Indian monastic architecture designed for Buddhist monks, featuring residential cells arranged around a central courtyard, often adorned with stupas and chaityas.

Question 2

Where is Vihara architecture style architecture found?

Accepted Answer

Vihara architecture style architecture is primarily found in Pan-India, India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Pan-Indian. There are 3 heritage sites documented with this architectural style.

Question 3

When was Vihara architecture style architecture used?

Accepted Answer

Vihara architecture style architecture was used during 2nd century BCE - 12th century CE, 2nd century BCE-Present, Ancient India, Early Medieval India. It is associated with the Maurya Dynasty, Kushana Dynasty, Gupta Dynasty dynasty/period.

Question 4

What materials are used in Vihara architecture style architecture?

Accepted Answer

Vihara architecture style architecture typically uses Brick, Stone, Wood. These materials are characteristic of this architectural style and reflect the construction techniques of the period.

Question 5

Which heritage sites use Vihara architecture style architecture?

Accepted Answer

There are 3 heritage sites documented with Vihara architecture style architecture.  You can explore these sites on the Inheritage Foundation website.

Title	Vihara architecture style 4.5/5(Based on 3 heritage sites) Rare 4.5/5(Based on 3 heritage sites)
Description	Ancient Indian monastic architecture designed for Buddhist monks, featuring residential cells arranged around a central courtyard, often adorned with stupas and chaityas.
Also Known As	Tibetan Buddhist Temple Architecture with Indian Vihara Nepalese Influences Indian Vihara Architecture Gupta Period Buddhist Architecture Pala Architecture Nepalese Temple Design Tibetan Buddhist Architecture Indic Cosmological Planning Mandala-Based Design Buddhist Temple Architecture with Indian Buddhist Architectural Iconographic Influences Indian Buddhist Temple Architecture Indian Buddhist Iconography Sri Lankan Buddhist Architecture Indian Buddhist Monastery Planning Tibetan Buddhist Temple Architecture with Indian Vihara Influences
Tags	Monastery Buddhist Residential Courtyard Residence Meditation Community Learning Monastic architecture Buddhism Jainism
Style ID	`INHF-STY-2835055624-06:31:45:02:10:23:VAS`
URI	https://www.inheritage.foundation/aat/styles/vihara-architecture-style
API Endpoint	`https://inheritage.foundation/api/v1/aat/vihara-architecture-style`
Total Sites	3
Primary Sites	0
Created	November 19, 2025
Last Updated	November 29, 2025

Time Periods	2nd century BCE - 12th century CE 2nd century BCE-Present Ancient India Early Medieval India
Dynasties	Maurya Dynasty Kushana Dynasty Gupta Dynasty

Sacred Contexts	Buddhist monasteries Jain monasteries
Associated Deities	Buddha Bodhisattvas Mahavira

Primary Materials	Brick Stone Wood
Architectural Features	Courtyard Cells Stupa Chaitya Meditation hall Refectory Library Courtyards Assembly halls Stupas

Title	Type	Notes
Buddhist Architecture	Book
Buddhist Monasteries of the Western Himalaya	book
The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent	Book	Overview of Vihara architecture.

Vihara architecture style

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Heritage Sites (3)

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How to Identify Vihara architecture style

Frequently Asked Questions

Site Name	Status	Confidence
Jokhang Temple Lhasa Tibet	Secondary	100%
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Colombo Sri Lanka	Secondary	100%
Ramoche Temple Lhasa Tibet	Secondary	100%