There’s a bizarre range of meanings for this word. According to the etymology it apparently started with a Sanskrit word for a place to play dice (and, as we all know, the, *ahem*, ladies love Sanskrit). The only consistent part of the meaning appears to be the fact that it is for a place where people gather.
akhara, n.
1. In India: a wrestling ring or pit; a gymnasium or outdoor exercise area.
2. Also with capital initial. In India: a convent or monastery, esp. of ascetics. Also: an order of ascetics or monks; spec. such a group forming a militant or armed regiment (now chiefly hist.).
Neh 