Yadugiri Surname — Sri Vaishnava Acharya

 The Yadugiri surname is a traditional and respected surname used by certain Sri Vaishnava Acharya families, especially those historically connected with the famous Yadugiri Yathiraja Mutt at Melkote in Karnataka, India.

The Mutt was founded by Bhagavad Ramanujacharya, the great philosopher and Acharya of Sri Vaishnavism, who spent several years at Melkote organizing the temple worship and training disciples. The place was historically known as Yadugiri (Hill of Yadus), and the presiding deity is Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy.

The Yadugiri Acharya Lineage

Over generations, several Acharyas who served as the heads (Jeeyars), teachers (Adhyapakas), and respected spiritual leaders connected to this Mutt adopted the surname "Yadugiri" to reflect their deep association with this holy center of Sri Vaishnava tradition.

Gotra of Yadugiri Acharya Families

The primary gotra of many Yadugiri Acharya families is the ancient Sadamarshana Gotra (also spelled Sattamarshana / Satamarshana), which traces its lineage to the great sage Sadamarshana Maharshi.

In addition, over time, respected Kashyapa Gotra families and a few other gotra families who served the Mutt with distinction and spiritual scholarship also adopted the Yadugiri surname, based on their honored role in the community.

The Meaning of Yadugiri Surname

Thus, the Yadugiri surname is not a caste indicator, but a reflection of spiritual service, Acharya lineage, and association with the Yadugiri Yathiraja Mutt — a center dedicated to preserving the teachings of Sri Ramanujacharya and the sacred Pancharatra Agama tradition.