chaitya-griha

A chaitya-griha, typical in Buddhist sanctuaries, is a prayer hall that often houses a stupa. As a sacred space, it is used for meditation and religious rituals.

The chaitya-griha is a crucial element in the architecture of Buddhist monastic complexes. Typically built as a cave or semi-circular hall, it is often east-facing and contains a stupa at the rear, symbolizing the presence of the Buddha. The walls are richly adorned with sculptures and frescoes depicting scenes from the Buddha's life and the Jatakas. These spaces are not only used for worship but also as centers for teaching Buddhist philosophy.