Why Is It Called the Vihara?

The northern Indian state of Bihar derives its name from vihāra due to the abundance of Buddhist monasteries in that area. The word has also been borrowed in Malay as biara, denoting a monastery or other non-Muslim place of worship.

What does vihara literally mean?

History and Etymology for vihara

Sanskrit vihāra, literally, place of recreation, from viharati he spends time, he walks about for pleasure, from vi apart, asunder + harati he takes, carries.

Is the Sanskrit and Pali term for a great vihara and is used to describe a monastic complex of viharas?

Mahavihara (Mahāvihāra) is the Sanskrit and Pali term for a great vihara (Buddhist monastery) and is used to describe a monastic complex of viharas.