ashram
(ˈɑːʃrəm)
[ad. Skr. a{sdotab}rama hermitage, f. ā near to, towards + {sdotab}rama exertion, earnest endeavour.]
In India, a place of religious retreat, sanctuary, or hermitage. Hence ˈashramite, an occupant of an ashram.
| 1917 W. W. Pearson Shantiniketan 17 There was a farewell ceremony according to the ancient Hindu custom when a guest leaves an ashram for the outer world. Ibid. 47 An ashram, or religious retreat, where those in search of peace might have an opportunity for quiet and meditation. 1926 Contemp. Rev. Nov. 616 The traditional ashram is built of wattle and mud, and its roofs are of leaves. 1933 Daily Express 31 July 1/1 Gandhi has decided to vacate his ashram (seminary) at Sabarmati and start the mysterious ‘fresh sacred mission’ on Tuesday. This will begin with a march of thirty-two of the ashramites. 1959 Times 10 July 7/7 The buildings in the ashrams at Tiruppatur and Tenkasi are so strikingly Dravidian in effect that they could almost be mistaken for Hindu temples. |