Jagadguru
, literally meaning " of the universe", is a title used in. Traditionally, it has been bestowed upon or used for belonging to the school who have written Sanskrit commentaries on the – the , the and the principal.
Historically, jagadgurus have established a lineage and an institution to spread dharma. They bring forth a new and authoritative interpretation of the scriptures that can unify or redefine the spiritual understanding of generations.
Origin and history of the term
is of Sanskrit origin where jagat means 'the entire world' and guru means 'spiritual master'. In the classics and scriptures, the word has been used for several Devas. In the, Arjuna addresses as the 'Supreme Master of the entire world'. Adi Shankaracharya uses the title for in his. The Sanskrit poet uses the word for in his great poem titled. In the, the poet-saint uses the same word for. uses it for in his song. uses it for in his composition.Traditional Jagadgurus
The first Jagadguru was Adi Shankara, the second was Ramanujacharya, the third was Madhvacharya, the fourth was Jagadguru Nimbarkacharya, and the fifth Jagadguru was Sri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. In Hinduism, the three great acharyas Adi Shankara, Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya are combinedly known as "Acharyatraya" or "Triacharya". These three acharyas are considered to be the pillars of Vedantic tradition of spiritual India.Acharyatraya
- , founder of ' school of '.
- school of .
Other acharyas
- , founder of ' school of '.
- Mahaprabhu, founder of school of ''''
Jagadguru as title
Jagadguru is also honoured as the title by Kashi Vidvat Parishat in Varanasi for the knowledge and value of particular guru. The title "Jagadguru Ramanandacharya" is used in the lineage of Ramananda, founder of Ramanandi Sampradaya.
- Traditionally, the title "Jagadguru" is used by the peetadhipathis of various mathas founded by renowned spiritual leaders such as Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Nimbarkacharya, and Vallabhacharya.
- Rambhadracharya, the founder of Tulsi Peeth within the Ramanandi Sampradaya, was conferred the title "Jagadguru Ramanandacharya" by Kashi Vidvat Parishat on 24 June 1988.
- Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj, founder of . He was honoured with the title Jagadguru by Kashi Vidvat Parishat on 14 January 1957.
- Narendrachrya was conferred the title of Jagadguru Ramanandacharya on 21 October 2005, in an event organized with the participation of Vaishnava Akhadas, sub-Akhadas, the four principal Sampradayas, and Khalsa branches under the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad.