A pilgrim visits a grove with a unique rock and a small shrine beside it, regarded as sacred since earliest times. Which term was sometimes used for such a site?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Chaityas
Option (1) Stupas — Incorrect. A stupa is a mound built over relics of the Buddha or his followers. It is a built monument, so it fails to fit a natural sacred spot such as a grove or rock.
Option (2) Harmikas — Incorrect. A harmika is the balcony-like structure on top of a stupa, seen as the abode of the gods. Being only a part of a stupa, it cannot name a sacred site.
Option (3) Viharas — Incorrect. A vihara is a monastery, where monks lived. It has nothing to do with a sacred grove or rock with a shrine.
Option (4) Chaityas — Correct. Places held sacred from earliest times, such as sites with special trees or unique rocks, with small shrines attached, were sometimes called chaityas.
NCERT (2026-27): “7. Stupas … “Buddhist literature mentions several chaityas. …” |