Acharyas - Other books
In Indian religions and society, an acharya (Sanskrit: आचार्य;) is a guide or instructor in religious matters; founder, or leader of a movemment; or a highly learned man or a title affixed to the names of learned men. The designation has different meanings in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and secular contexts. Acharya is also used to address a teacher or a scholar in any discipline, e.g.: Bhaskaracharya, the mathematician. It is also a common suffix in brahmin/viswakarma names, e.g.: Krishnamacharya, Bhattacharya.
Acharya is also used as surname. In the social order of some parts of India, acharyas are considered as the highest amongst the brahmin community/viswakarma community often described as the "shrestha brahman" i.e. best in brahmins. In Madhwa brahmins Acharya means a priestly person.
The term "Acharya" is most often said to include the root "char" or "charya" (conduct). Thus it literally connotes "one who teaches by conduct (example)," i.e. an exemplar.
In Vedic society, an acharya (आचार्य) is a mahāpuruśa (महापुरुश, divine personality) who is believed to have descended as an avatāra (अवतार, incarnation) to teach and establish bhakti in the world and write on the siddhānta (सिद्धांत, doctrine) of devotion to Bhagawan (भगवान्, lord, God, blessed one, see also iśvara)..
