Some Buddhist rock cut caves are called Chaityas while the others are called Viharas What is the dif...........

Culture of India Paintings and sculpture

Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?

Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks

Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks

Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it

There is no material difference between the two

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Explanation:

Chaitya is like a prayer hall. It has pillars on side of a passage or a pathway leading to a Stupa. Of course since it is a prayer hall, it may contain stupas as Stupas generally contain relics of Buddha and are venerated and worshipped.
Viahara technically means abode.This was the place where the monastic order dwelled. Specially after the advent of Mahayana Buddhism, monastic orders were greatly revered in India. So sometimes in rainy season Buddhist monks could stay in caves to protect themselves from, of course, water.