ashram

American  

[ahsh-ruhm] / ˈɑʃ rəm /

noun

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

2. the persons instructed there.

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ashram British  

/ ˈæʃrəm, ˈɑːʃ- /

noun

1. a religious retreat or community where a Hindu holy man lives

2. a house that provides accommodation for destitute people

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Etymology

Origin of ashram

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

Explanation

An ashram is a place where people go on spiritual or religious retreats. Yoga teachers sometimes visit ashrams in India to learn more about the practice. For religious Hindus, an ashram is a place to meditate and be instructed in spiritual or artistic matters. Many Indian ashrams are located in remote places, and believers sometimes travel there on long pilgrimages. The Sanskrit root of ashram is srama, "giving the meaning of making an effort towards liberation," also "toll" or "fatigue."

Example Sentences

The city is also sought out by fans of Beatles because the Fab Four had spent weeks at an ashram there in 1968.

From BBC • Oct. 14, 2025

The two friends grew up on Coltrane’s ashram — Williams lived there until he was 11 and Vitthal moved there when he was 8.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2025

The final section of the exhibit focuses on Coltrane’s ability to build worlds, like in her ashram and in her family home.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2025

After meeting Mangal-arti in Canada, Shannan Mann moved into the ashram in Philadelphia with Ms. Payton and a handful of others who worked at the Mantra Lounge.

From New York Times • May 22, 2024

She tells him her parents went to India once, to an ashram somewhere, before she was born.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri