Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a compound Hindi word formed by combining dharma and shala, and can be translated as spiritual dwelling or sanctuary.

 

Traditionally, dharamshalas were built as shelters or rest houses near pilgrimage destinations to give visitors a place to sleep for the night.

 

These were typically built by philanthropists or charitable organisations, and were either free or very cheap to stay at for short periods of time. As times have changed, many dharamshalas have transformed into low-grade commercial hotels while maintaining "dharamshala" in their names.

Done