<P> Nothing of the superstructure has survived . A number of monastic cells facing a rectangular courtyard have been found . A notable feature is the presence of circular corner cells . It is believed that the general layout of the monastic complex at Jagjivanpur is by and large similar to that of Nalanda . Beside these, scattered references to some monasteries are found in epigraphic and other sources . Among them Pullahari (in western Magadha), Halud Vihara (45 km south of Paharpur), Parikramana vihara and Yashovarmapura vihara (in Bihar) deserve mention . Other important structural complexes have been discovered at Mainamati (Comilla district, Bangladesh). Remains of quite a few viharas have been unearthed here and the most elaborate is the Shalban Vihara . The complex consists of a fairly large vihara of the usual plan of four ranges of monastic cells round a central court, with a temple in cruciform plan situated in the centre . According to a legend on a seal (discovered at the site) the founder of the monastery was Bhavadeva, a ruler of the Deva dynasty . </P> <P> As Buddhism spread in southeast Asia, monasteries were built by local kings . The term vihara referred to the assembly hall of these monasteries . Many of these viharas continue to play an important role in the modern era practice of Theravada Buddhism . For example, during the twelfth lunar month in Thailand, lay Buddhists visit a monastery and circumambulate the vihara and the reliquary as a means to earn merit . Devotees may hold banana boats containing burning incense sticks, flowers, sticky rice and few coins as they complete the circle . These boats are then carried to a local river or pond and set afloat . At other times, the lay Buddhists gather for kathina ceremonies in the vihara where they donate robes, soap, towels, canned food, cigarettes and other material goods for the monks, with the belief that the merit they so earn will enable them to live in heavenly samsara after some future rebirth . Many of these Theravada viharas feature a Buddha image that is considered sacred after it is formally consecrated by the monks . </P> <Ul> <Li> <P> Cave 4, Ajanta Caves </P> </Li> <Li> <P> Entrance to a vihara hall at Kanheri Caves </P> </Li> <Li> <P> Wall carvings at Kanheri Caves </P> </Li> <Li> <P> Simple slab abode beds in vihara at Kanheri Caves </P> </Li> <Li> <P> Doorways of a Vihara, Bedse Caves </P> </Li> </Ul> <Li> <P> Cave 4, Ajanta Caves </P> </Li>

Viharas and stupas in caves are found together