vihar

Vihar is a term used in the Indian subcontinent with several related meanings. It derives from the Sanskrit word vihāra, which denotes a dwelling, residence, or monastery. In Marathi and Hindi, the form vihar is common in everyday language and in place names, and the older transliteration vihara appears in some English-language discussions of religious sites.

As a geographical name, Vihar appears in multiple villages, neighborhoods, and localities across India and Nepal. It is commonly used for residential areas and settlements, reflecting the word’s association with dwelling or living quarters. A widely cited example is Vihar Lake, also known as Vihar Reservoir, a freshwater lake that forms a major component of Mumbai’s water-supply system.

Historically and in religious contexts, the root term vihāra is associated with Buddhist monasteries and monastic dwellings. Vihāras served as places where monks resided, studied, and conducted religious activities. In this sense, Vihar or vihara is a toponymic echo of a place of residence tied to spiritual or communal life.

In contemporary usage, Vihar continues to function as a toponym and as a descriptor for residential areas in cities, reflecting its original sense of dwelling or living space. The word’s transliteration varies, with vihāra, vihara, and vihar appearing in different languages and texts.