In early ancient Buddhist cave-cut architecture, what was the explicit functional and architectural purpose assigned to a Chaitya hall?

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Early rock-cut architecture separated monastic spaces into two types: Viharas and Chaityas. Viharas were simple residential residential cells for the monks. Chaityas, conversely, were grand vaulted congregational halls with an apse at the terminal end containing a solid rock stupa, serving as the prime focal node for devotional chanting and meditation sessions.

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