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The form of the Mahavihar is reminiscent of some earlier and some contemporary Monasteries. The plans of the Vikramshila and Somapura Mahaviharas are quite similar, though Vikramshila typically has a Triratna projection at the front for entrance. A closed-in type of Monastery as at Takshashila, it has only one gateway perhaps in tune with the monastic discipline enjoined for the monks. Something peculiarly noticeable at Vikramshila is the projections in the outer wall which give the impression of fortification, conspicuous by its absence at Somapura. The scheme follows the general plan of the four directions of a square around a central area, each of the five symbolising one of the realms of human knowledge and cosmic experience. The structures with a square plinth became a speciality of Indian Buddhist architecture from the days of Kaniska, probably in response to the new ideals. The precursors of the raised cruciform central chaitya can easily be traced in north-western India (now in Afghanistan and Pakistan) and Central Asia. The shrine at Antichak has two terraces instead of three at Somapura, with the central Stupa as a shrine representing the Mountain Meru, sacred both to the Hindus and the Buddhists.
The mahavihar had 208 cells measuring 4.15x1.5m with a verandah having a width of 3.10m. The outer wall of the monastery has 20 projected circular and 20 rectangular cells at an intermediary distance which had provisions for 3 beds in each room and only for 1 in rectangular. A unique feature of Vikramshila is its dozen underground cells at a depth of 1.35m with a circular passage measuring 0.95x0.95m, which may have been used by monks for meditation. About 32 metres south of the monastery on its south west corner and attached with the main monastery through a narrow corridor is a rectangular structure identified as library building. It was air-conditioned by cooled water of the adjoining reservoir through a range of vents in the back wall. The system was perhaps meant for preserving delicate manuscripts. A large number of antiquities unearthed during the excavations are displayed in the site museum maintained by the ASI, which also include inscriptions on terracotta emblems.