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Mahāchārya (Sanskrit: महाचार्य, *mahācārya*) is an honorific spiritual title used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It means "great teacher" or "senior preceptor" and is conferred upon individuals recognized for their philosophical contributions, spiritual realization, or authority within a lineage (sampradāya).
The word derives from two Sanskrit roots: mahā (मह) meaning "great" and ācārya (आचार्य) meaning "teacher" or "preceptor". Together, *mahācārya* translates as "great teacher"—an emphatic form of the more commonly used title ācārya.
In Vedanta and Tantra traditions, the title Mahāchārya is used for gurus who lead major spiritual schools or transmit teachings within a recognized lineage. In some cases, it overlaps with other titles such as Mahāmandaleśvara or Jagadguru. The title is also applied to teachers who combine scriptural knowledge with direct experiential practice, especially in yoga, meditation, or ritual contexts.
In Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna Buddhism, Mahāchārya refers to a teacher with initiation authority and advanced understanding of tantric or esoteric texts. Historical references associate the title with figures like Nāgārjuna and Padmasambhava. In institutions such as Nālandā and Vikramaśīla, mahāchāryas were masters who taught the highest doctrines and tantra.
In Jainism, the term may denote a senior monk or doctrinal authority within the Śramaṇa tradition, responsible for instructing other ascetics and interpreting canonical texts.
In modern contexts, the title Mahāchārya is used by spiritual schools and yoga organizations to recognize teachers with philosophical authority, spiritual realization, or significant institutional leadership. Notable contemporary holders of this title include: