is a state in the north of India. The word Bihar originates from
the term “Vihar” or “Vihara”. Vihara has Sanskrit and Pali
origins meaning a Buddhist monastery, where one is able to walk
alone. During the first century, Buddha preached his sermons and
commanded a vast following in the region of Eastern India
especially what is now called Bihar. However it was in the
second century that his followers built seclusions that emerged
all over Magadha (original name of Bihar) for Buddhist monks to
practice asceticism and to practice the newly founded order. As
the monks had no fixed place of worship and live; they founded
the Vihara’s, a place of solace that became popular especially
in the monsoon seasons. These places here mainly made of wood
and clay surrounded by a large garden. The early Viharas where
temporary homes made of clay thatched with bamboo and dug in the
ground in a round shape with roofing. These were located either
close to villages or settlements where the monks could beg for
alms. However, in t