Vihara Collection

Buddha, Cave 6, vihara (monastery), UNESCO World Heritage site, Ajanta, Maharashtra, India

Cave 17, vihara (Buddhist monastery), UNESCO World Heritage site, Ajanta, Maharashtra, India

Sketches in Afghanistan (engraving)
1099712 Sketches in Afghanistan (engraving) by Simpson, William Crimea (1823-99) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sketches in Afghanistan)

Detailed stone carving, Somapura Mahavihara (Paharpur Buddhist Bihar), UNESCO World Heritage Site, Paharpur, Naogaon District, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh

Somapura Mahavihara (Paharpur Buddhist Bihar), UNESCO World Heritage Site, Paharpur, Naogaon District, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh

Kannari, Interior of a Small Vihara, India, 1845. Artist: Thomas Colman Dibdin
Kannari, Interior of a Small Vihara, India, 1845. A vihara is a Buddhist refuge or monastery

Candi Kalasan (Candi Kalibening), East of Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia
Kalasan Temple (Candi Kalasan), also known as Candi Kalibening, is an 8th-century Buddhist temple in Java, Indonesia. It is located 13 km east of Yogyakarta

SRI LANKA. POLONNARUWA. Polonnaruwa. Colossal statue of Reclining Buddha (14 m.) at the Gal Vihara or Rock Temple (12th c.). Monks praying

SRI LANKA. Polonnaruwa. Gal Vihara or Rock Temple

India - The Vihara (Jain) temple on the fort, Gwalior
Black and white. Tall and unusually shaped building with many carvings on the front.. Part of India Box, Boswell Collection. Slide number 220 and 59. Date: circa 1890s

Hall of Buddha at Kelaniya Temple in colombo. Sri Lanka

Wat Xieng thong temple at twilight time in Luang Pra bang, Laos

Source Size = 1903 x 1508
Afghan Sketches: the Ahin Posh Tope and Vihara, Near Jellalabad, 1879

Buddha in Vihara Maha Devi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka
A seated Buddha in the Vihara Maha Devi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa / Buddha
GAL VIHARA near POLONNARUWA, in Sri Lanka. A sculpture of Buddha reclining next to the Venerable Ananda, one of his disciples

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Vihara, a term deeply rooted in Buddhism, refers to monasteries or temples where Buddhist monks reside and practice their spiritual teachings. One of the most renowned viharas is located in Maharashtra, India - Ajanta's Cave 6. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases intricate rock-cut architecture and mesmerizing Buddha sculptures that leave visitors awe-struck. Another remarkable vihara within the same complex is Cave 17. With its serene ambiance and exquisite carvings, it stands as a testament to ancient Buddhist artistry. These caves have not only captivated tourists but also inspired artists throughout history, evident in sketches found in Afghanistan. Somapura Mahavihara in Paharpur, Bangladesh boasts detailed stone carvings that depict the rich cultural heritage of Buddhism. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient monastery continues to be an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. The significance of viharas extends beyond India and Bangladesh; they can be found across different regions such as Sri Lanka and Indonesia. In Sri Lanka's Polonnaruwa city lies colossal statues at Gal Vihara or Rock Temple - a marvel that showcases exceptional craftsmanship from centuries ago. Moving towards Southeast Asia, Candi Kalasan (Candi Kalibening) temple in Java, Indonesia stands tall with its architectural grandeur influenced by Indian artistry. Even though these viharas may vary geographically and culturally, they all share one common thread: providing spaces for individuals seeking enlightenment through meditation and devotion to Buddha's teachings. Whether it's exploring the cave complexes of Ajanta or admiring the tranquility within small interior viharas like Kannari captured by Thomas Colman Dibdin's artwork from 1845 – each holds immense historical value while offering solace to those who seek it. In essence, these diverse examples showcase how viharas have played an integral role in preserving Buddhism's legacy and serving as sacred sanctuaries for spiritual seekers across the globe.