ashram

[ ahsh-ruhm ]

noun

1. a secluded building, often the residence of a guru, used for religious retreat or instruction in Hinduism.
2. the persons instructed there.

ashram

/ ˈæʃrəm; ˈɑːʃ- /

noun

1. a religious retreat or community where a Hindu holy man lives
2. a house that provides accommodation for destitute people

Word History and Origins

Origin of ashram¹

First recorded in 1915–20, ashram is from the Sanskrit word āśrama

Word History and Origins

Origin of ashram¹

from Sanskrit āśrama, from ā- near + śrama religious exertion

Example Sentences

Some American followers still live at ashrams — the standard form of membership in the 1960s and ’70s — but many more have typical homes and jobs and attend services on weekends.

From New York Times

The group’s “ashrams” were centers for indoctrination and sexual exploitation disguised as spiritual enlightenment, according to the official.

From Seattle Times

The locations, described as “ashrams,” served as housing for women selected by Bivolaru for initiation into tantric yoga practices, according to French authorities.

From Seattle Times

Velshi will look back to the early 20th century and the time his grandfather was sent to live on the ashram of Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa, an experience that began an enduring legacy.

From Seattle Times

Shetty began using his holiday breaks and summer vacations to travel to India to live with Gauranga Das in an ashram.

From Los Angeles Times