sampradaya

Sampradaya, from the Sanskrit sampradāya, denotes a traditional spiritual lineage within Hinduism. It refers to a specific school of thought, practice, and a lineage of teacher–disciple transmission (guru-parampara). A sampradaya maintains a canon of teachings, scriptures, ritual practices, and a distinctive interpretive emphasis, often anchored in the authority of a founder or a succession of realized teachers. Its members typically receive initiation from a recognized guru and follow a communal liturgy, temple rites, and prescribed disciplines that distinguish it from other lineages.

Sampradayas can be associated with broader traditions such as Vaishnavism, Shaivism, or Smartism, but they are defined by unique philosophical priorities and ritual repertoires. They often claim descent from ancient sages and preserve commentaries on or recensions of Vedas and Upanishads, as well as sect-specific texts.

Notable examples include the Dashanami Sampradaya of Advaita Vedanta established by Adi Shankaracharya; Ramanuja’s Sri Vaishnavism and Madhva’s Madhva Sampradaya (Dvaita); Nimbarka’s Vaishnavism; Vallabha’s Pushti Marg; and Gaudiya Vaishnavism founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Other enduring lineages exist in Shaivism (such as certain Siddhanta and Trika traditions) and Shaktism, reflecting regional and devotional diversity.

In modern times, sampradayas continue to guide initiation, worship styles, pedagogy, and festival calendars, while also adapting to broader social and religious contexts.