ashram

noun

ash·​ram ˈäsh-rəm 

-ˌräm;

ˈash-ˌram 

1

: a secluded dwelling of a Hindu sage

also : the group of disciples instructed there

2

: a religious or spiritual retreat

Did you know?

Ashram first appeared in English in the early 1900s and gained traction after Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi founded his famous ashrams at Sabarmati near Ahmadabad and at Sevagram near Wardha. The word ashram derives from a Sanskrit word, "srama," which means "religious exertion." Later in the 20th century, English speakers broadened the term "ashram" to encompass any sort of religious retreat, regardless of denomination. In addition to practicing yoga and meditation, attendees may also receive instruction from a religious teacher and do some type of manual or mental work during their stay at the ashram.

Examples of ashram in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Policeman turned preacher Reportedly born Narayan Sakar to a low-caste family, Bhole Baba used to be a constable with the Uttar Pradesh Police before becoming a preacher and establishing an ashram – or place of worship – in the state. —Rhea Mogul, CNN, 12 July 2024

His group has ashrams across 10 states and union territories in India and claims to have 60 million followers worldwide. —Rhea Mogul, CNN, 12 July 2024

Dlamini, 27, was born in Los Angeles and spent time as a child with her mother at an ashram led by jazz musician Alice Coltrane. —Harper's BAZAAR, 16 Aug. 2023

The Sullivanians adhered to the same principles and traditions as many of the ashrams and rural intentional communities of the era: polyamory, communal living, group parenting, socialist politics. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 14 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit āśrama, from śrama religious exercise

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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