4th December 2010

The word "gotra" means "lineage" in the Sanskrit [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrit] language. Among those of
the Brahmin [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmin] caste, gotras are reckoned patrilineally. Each gotra takes the name
of a famous Rishi [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rishi] or sage who was the patrilineal forebear of that clan. And each
Gotra is addressed by the suffix 'sa' or 'asa' as relevant.
The following is a partial list of gotras [http://familypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Brahmin_gotra_system] found in the Brahmin
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmin] community of Hindus [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu] :
Agastya [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agastya]
Atreya [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atreya] / Atri [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atri]
Alamban [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alambani]
Angirasa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angirasa]
Bali
Bakshi
Bhalki
Bharadvaja [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharadvaja] ,Bharadwaja [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharadwaja]
Bhargava [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhargava]
Bhanot
Chandratra
Charora [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charora]
Chibber
Chikitasa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chikitasa]
Chyavana [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chyavana]
Dalabhya [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalabhya]
Dandotia
Darbhas [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darbhas]
Devgun
Dhananjaya [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhananjaya]
Galvasaya [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvasaya]
Garga [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garga]
Gautam [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama]
Gargheyasa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gargheyasa]
Gaubhilya [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaubhilya]
Harita [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harita] / Haritasa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haritasa]
Jamadagni [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamadagni]
Kalabodhana [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalabodhana] / Kalaboudha [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalaboudha]
Kamakayana Vishwamitra [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamakayana_Vishwamitra]
Kapil [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapil]
Kaushika [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaushika]
Kashyapa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashyapa]
Kowndinya [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kowndinya]
Kaunsh [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaunsh]
Kaushal
Katyayana [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katyayana]
Kutsa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kutsa]
Lakhi [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakhi]
Lohit [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lohit]
Lomasha [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lomasha]
Maitreya [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maitreya] / Mitra [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitra]
Mandavya [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandavya]
Mauna Bhargava [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauna_Bhargava]
Matanga [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matanga]
Mudgala [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudgala] (Maudgalya [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maudgalya] , Moudgil
List of Brahmin gotras
List of Brahmin gotras http://shrigaurbrahmanmahasabhabikaner.blogspot.in/2010/12/list-of-b...
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[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moudgil] , Modgil [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modgil] )
Mudgal [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudgal]
Munjhal
Nydravakashyapa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nydravakashyapa]
Nrisimhadevara [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nrisimhadevara]
Parashara [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parashara]
Pourguthsa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pourguthsa]
Pourguthsa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pourguthsa]
polistya [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/polistya]
Rohinya [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rohinya]
Sangar [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sangar]
Sankrithi [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sankrithi]
Sankyanasa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sankyanasa]
Sankyayanasa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sankyayanasa] ,Samkyayanasa [http://en.wikipedia.org
/wiki/Samkyayanasa]
Sathamarshana [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sathamarshana]
Shandilya [http://familypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Shandilya]
Saawarna [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saawarna]
Somnasser [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somnasser]
Soral [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soral]
Srivatsa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srivatsa]
Sumarkanth [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumarkanth]
Suryadhwaja [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suryadhwaja]
Tugnait [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tugnait]
Upadhyay [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upadhyay]
Upmanyu [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upamanyu]
Vadula [http://familypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Vadula]
Valmiki [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valmiki]
Vashisth [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vashisth]
Vatsa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatsa]
Veetahavya [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veetahavya]
Vishnu [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu]
Vasudev
Vishnu Vardasa [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu_Vardasa]
Viswamitra [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viswamitra]
Yaska [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaska]
Many lines of descent from the major rishis [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Rishi&action=edit&
redlink=1] were later grouped separately. Accordingly, the major gotras were divided into ganas
[http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Gana&action=edit&redlink=1] (subdivisions), and each gana
[http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Gana&action=edit&redlink=1] was further divided into groups of
families. The term gotra was then frequently started being applied to the ganas [http://familypedia.wikia.com
/index.php?title=Gana&action=edit&redlink=1] and to the sub-ganas.
Every brahmin [http://familypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Brahmin] claims to be a direct patrilineal descendant of one of
the founding rishis [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Rishi&action=edit&redlink=1] of a certain gana
[http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Gana&action=edit&redlink=1] or sub-gana. It is the gana
[http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Gana&action=edit&redlink=1] or sub-gana that is now commonly
referred to as gotra.
Over the years, the number of gotras increased due to:
Descendants of original rishi [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Rishi&action=edit&redlink=1] also
started new family lineage or new gotras,
1.
By inter marriage with other sub-groups of the same caste [http://familypedia.wikia.com
/index.php?title=Caste&action=edit&redlink=1] , and
2.
Gotras
List of Brahmin gotras http://shrigaurbrahmanmahasabhabikaner.blogspot.in/2010/12/list-of-b...
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Inspired by another rishi [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Rishi&action=edit&redlink=1] whose
name they bear as their own gotra.
3.
Pravara is the number of the most excellent (-cf. reference, Sanskrit-English Dictionary,Monier-Williams
[http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Monier-Williams&action=edit&redlink=1] ) rishis who belonged to that
particular gotra to which a person belongs. Gotra is the name of the founding father. In vedic ritual, the
importance of the pravara appears to be in its use by the ritualist for extolling his ancestry and proclaiming, "as a
descendant of worthy ancestors, I am a fit and proper person to do the act I am performing." The sacred
thread yajnopavita [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Yajnopavita&action=edit&redlink=1] worn
on upanayana [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Upanayana&action=edit&redlink=1] has close
connection with the concept of pravaras related to brahmin gotra system. While tying the knots of sacred thread,
an oath is taken in the name of each one of these three or five of the most excellent rishis belonging to one's
gotra.
The full affiliation of a brhamana consists of (1)gotra [http://familypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Gotra] , (2)pravaras
[http://familypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Pravaras] (3)sutra (of Kalpa [http://familypedia.wikia.com
/index.php?title=Kalpa&action=edit&redlink=1] ), (4)shakha [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Shakha&
action=edit&redlink=1] .
(Example :) A brahmana named 'X' introduces himself as follows : I am 'X', of Shrivatsa gotra, of pastamba
sutra, of Taittiriya shkha of Yajurveda, of five pravaras named Bhrgava, Chyvana, pnavan, Aurva and
Jmdagnya (This example is based upon the example given by Pattbhirm Shastri in the introduction to
Vedrtha-Prijata, cf. ref.).
While the gotras were classified initially according to nine (?) rishis [http://familypedia.wikia.com
/index.php?title=Rishi&action=edit&redlink=1] , the pravaras [http://familypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Pravaras] were
classified under the names of the following seven rishis [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Rishis&
action=edit&redlink=1] :
Agastya [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Agastya&action=edit&redlink=1]
Angirasa [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Angirasa&action=edit&redlink=1]
Atri [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Atri&action=edit&redlink=1]
Bhrigu [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Bhrigu&action=edit&redlink=1]
Kashyapa [http://familypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Kashyapa]
Vasishtha [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Vasishtha&action=edit&redlink=1]
Vishvamitra [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Vishvamitra&action=edit&redlink=1]
According to the listing of authors included in the verses in Rigved [http://familypedia.wikia.com
/index.php?title=Rigved&action=edit&redlink=1] , the rishi Jamadagni [http://familypedia.wikia.com
/wiki/Jamadagni] was a descendant of rishiBhrigu [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Bhrigu&
action=edit&redlink=1] while the rishis Gautam [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Gautam&
action=edit&redlink=1] and Bharadvaja [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Bharadvaja&action=edit&
redlink=1] were the descendants of rishi Angirasa [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Angirasa&
action=edit&redlink=1] .
The pravara identifies the association of a person with three or sometimes five of the above-mentioned rishis
[http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Rishis&action=edit&redlink=1] .
For example, Kashyapa Gothram has 3 rishis associated with it viz. Kashyapa, Daivala and Aavatsaara
Suryadhwaja [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Suryadhwaja&action=edit&redlink=1] : Lakhi
(Mehrishi), Soral, Binju
1.
Bharadwaj [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Bharadwaj&action=edit&redlink=1] : Angirasa,
Baaryhaspatya (i.e. bRhaspati), Bharadwaja
2.
Rathitara [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Rathitara&action=edit&redlink=1] : Angirasa,
Baaryhaspatya, Rathitara
3.
Vadula [http://familypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Vadula] : Bhargava,Vaitahavya,Saavedasa 4.
Gothras and Pravaras
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Srivatsa [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Srivatsa&action=edit&redlink=1] :
Bhargava,Syaavana,AApnavaana,Owrva,Jaamadaghnya
5.
Salankayana [http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Salankayana&action=edit&redlink=1] :
Viswaamitra, Aghamarshana, Devavrata
6.
Shatamarshana: Angirasa, Powrukutsa,Traasatasya 7.
Atreya: Atreya,Aarchanaasa,Syaavaasva 8.
Kowsika: Vishwamitra,Aghavarshana,Kowsika 9.
Kalabodhana/Kalaboudha: Viswaamitra,AAgamarshana,Kalabodhana/Kalaboudha 10.
Viswamitra: Vaiswaamitra,Devaraata, Owtala 11.
Kaundinya: Vaasishta,Maitraavaruna, Kaundinya 12.
Haritasa: Angirasa, Ambarisha,Yuvanasva 13.
Gautamasa: Angirasa,Aayasyasa,Gautama 14.
Mowdkalya(3 Variations)
Angirasa,Bharmyasva,Mowdgalya 1.
Tarkshya,Bharmyasva,Mowdgalya 2.
Angirasa, Dhavya, Mowdgalya 3.
15.
Sandilya (3 Variations)
Kasyapa,Aavatsaara,Daivala 1.
Kasyapa,Aavatsaara,Sandilya 2.
Kasyapa, Daivala, Asitha 3.
16.
Naitruvakaasyapa: Kasyapa,Aavatsara,Naitruva 17.
Kutsa: Angirasa,Maandhatra,Kowtsa 18.
Kanva (2 Variations)
Angirasa,Ajameeda,Kaanva 1.
Angirasa,Kowra, Kaanva 2.
19.
Paraasara: Vaasishta, Saaktya, Paarasarya 20.
Aagastya: Aagastya,Tardhachyuta,Sowmavaha 21.
Gargi (2 Variations)
Angirasa,Bharhaspatya,Bharadwaja,upadhyay 1.
Angirasa, Sainya, Gaargya 2.
22.
Bhadarayana: Angirasa,Paarshadaswa, Raatitara 23.
Kasyapa (3 Variations)
Kasyapa, Aavatsaara, Daivala 1.
Kasyapa, Aavatsaara, Naidruva(Naitruva) 2.
Kasyapa, Aavatsaara, Naidruva(Naitruva), Rebha, Raibha , Sandila, Saandilya 3.
24.
Sunkriti (2 Variations)
Angirasa,Kowravidha,Saankritya 1.
Sadhya,Kowravidha,Saankritya 2.
25.
Angirasa, Pourukutsya, Thraasadasya 26.
goutam/gowtamasa Aangeerasa, ayasya, gowtama 27.
Vadhoola: Bhargava, Vaitahavya, Savedasa 28.
AgniVaiwaswatha: Angirasa, Brahaspthayasa, Bharadwaja, Srukva, Agnivaiwaswathasa
Although people belonging to the same gotra are, in theory, related to each other patrilineally, and belong to
the same Brahmin caste, there may be very little else in common between them. In fact, as per the Vedic
[http://familypedia.wikia.com/index.php?title=Vedic_period&action=edit&redlink=1] system, a man and a
woman belonging to the same gotra are considered to be a brother and sister, and hence, a marriage
between a man and a woman belonging to the same gotra (known as sa-gotra) is forbidden as it will cause
anomalies in the progeny that come out of such a marriage. The fact that people belong to a
certain gotra says nothing about their domicile, original place of residence, mother tongue or family
occupation, which can be known from than lower lever classification below gotra: pravaras
29.
Implications
List of Brahmin gotras http://shrigaurbrahmanmahasabhabikaner.blogspot.in/2010/12/list-of-b...
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[http://familypedia.wikia.com/wiki/Pravaras] , sutra (of Kalpa [http://familypedia.wikia.com
/index.php?title=Kalpa&action=edit&redlink=1] ) and shakha [http://familypedia.wikia.com
/index.php?title=Shakha&action=edit&redlink=1] .
Please add Vadhryashwa Gotra to your list of Gotras.Many Deshastha Brahmins near Nagpur Mahrashtra
have this Gotra including me.Reference to Vadhryashwa Rishi is found in Rigveda
Bahgwan shri parshuram 4th December 2010
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