, literally meaning " of the universe", is a title used in. Traditionally, it has been bestowed upon or used for belonging to the school (among the six traditional schools of thought in Hinduism) who have written Sanskrit commentaries on the (literally, 'the three sources') – the (the original scripture of ), the (part of the ) and the principal. Historically, jagadgurus have established a lineage and an institution to spread dharma which has been based in Varanasi, the centre of Sanskrit study.

Origin and history of the term

is of Sanskrit origin where jagat means 'the entire world' and guru means 'spiritual master' (literally, 'dispeller of darkness'). 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

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

Other acharyas

Jagadguru as title

Traditionally the title Jagadguru is used by all the peetadhipathis of Mathas founded by traditional Jagadgurus such as Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madhvacharya, Nimbarkacharya, and Vallabhacharya. 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.