In Nepal, gotra (गोत्र) traces patrilineal ancestry. Many Nepali families identify a thar (surname) and its associated gotra. Use the A-Z list below to look up your surname’s gotra. Customs vary by region and community; when in doubt, ask elders or religious authorities.

A-Z Nepali Thar & Gotra (गोत्र/थर)

  • ANGIRAS (अंगिरास) : Joshi, Sedai, Saunak, Shahi
  • AGASTI (अगस्ती) : Dhungel
  • ATRI (अत्रि): Chapagai, Wosti, Mishra, Khatiwada, Ojha, Adhikari, Gotame, Kshatri Malla, Pahari
  • ATREYA (आत्रेय): Paudel, Devkota, Pokhrel (pani), Kalikote, Sharma, Aryal, Sigdel, Bagale Thapa
  • UPAMANYU : Mainali, Dhakal, Bartaula, Bhatta (Duwal), Pandey
  • KASYAP (कश्यप): Shah, Sahi, Rayamajhi, Ghimire, Godhar (Thapa), Kathayat, Gartaula, Adhikari (Bhadare, Khilchine and Kaubali), Bogati, Budhathoki (Sodari), Badaal.
  • KAUDINYA (कौण्डिन्य): Achraya, Neupane, Pakurel, Paneru, Sapkota, Satyal, Marashini, Parajuli, Baskota, Trital, Khadka, Thapa Gamle and Bagale, Joshi. (Some Sapkota are Kautinya gotra)
  • KAUSHIK (कौशिक): Regmi/Gaudel, Khapatari (Khadka, Bistha, Budhathoki and Basnet), Khadka, Bidari, Rimal, Lamichhane, Dhungana, Dhital, Phuyal, Tiwari, Majhi, Luitel, Pudasaini, Baniya, Raghubansi, Bhandari, Bastakoti.
  • Kundin (कुण्डिन) : Trital, Banjad/ Banjade
  • GARGA (गर्ग): Bastola, Lamichhane, Bhurtel, Gajurel
  • GAUTAM (गौतम): Chanda, Tripathi, Bam (Thakuri), Dangal, Mahat, Pandey (Paleu), Tiwari
  • GHRITAKAUSHIK (घृत कौशिक): Sutar, Karki, Baral, Pandit, Khanal, Nepal, Baraily
  • MANDABYA (माण्डव्य): Bajagai, Gyawali, Panthi, Bajhai
  • DHANANJAYA (धनञ्जय): Kunwar, Humagai, Rijal, Karki, Thapa, Pangeni, Basel, Kukurkote, Dhamala, Guragai, Khulal; Basnet, Bhusal, Khulal (Budhathoki), Gauripitri.
  • PARASAR (परासर): Marhattha, Karki, Kattel, Dev, Raila
  • BHARADWAJ (भरद्वाज) : Chaulagai, Subedi, Thapaliya, Panthi, Upadhaya, Wagle, Lohani, Pantha, Adhikari, Dudhpokhrel, Siwakoti, Devkota, Niraula, Jamarkattel, Pandey, Rajopadhyay.
  • MAUDAGALYA (मौद्गल्य) : Timsina, Timilsina, Koirala, Upreti, Mudula, Karki, Rume, Kuinkel, Simkhada, Belkadhi
  • VASTA (वत्स) : Rana, Lamsal, Dahal, Ruphakheti Dahal.
  • BASISTHA (वशिष्ठ): Suyal (garthi), Raut, Bhattarai, Suyal (Thapa), Dwadi, Thangsine, Bhandari, Kharel, Chalise, Mudabhari, Gaire, Kharel, Thansinge Bhandari, Paneru (some Kaudinya gotra).

Disclaimer: Gotra associations can vary by family/region. Please confirm with your elders or priest for formal purposes.

Gotra of Dashnami Sanyasi

  • Bhaveswa: Puri, Saraswati, Bharati
  • Adhigata: Tirtha, Ashram
  • Kashyap: Ban, Aranya

If you are confused about your Nepali Gotra, you can comment in the section below. If your Gotra is not listed above, please ask in the comment section below.

Gotra rules in Nepal (marriage & tradition)

Gotra is traditionally linked to a person’s ancestral lineage, traced through the father’s side. In Hindu belief, men and women who share the same gotra descend from a common forefather, so marriage within the same gotra is discouraged as it is viewed like marrying within one extended family. In Nepal, families usually confirm the gotra of both bride and groom before marriage. Practices vary by caste, region, and generation, and many families consult elders or priests for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gotra in Nepal?

Gotra (गोत्र) identifies a family’s ancestral lineage traced through the male line, traditionally linked to ancient sages (rishis) such as Bharadwaj, Kashyap, Atreya, etc.

How is a person’s gotra decided?

A child typically inherits the father’s gotra. Many Nepali surnames (thar) are associated with a particular gotra, helping families identify their lineage.

Can people of the same gotra marry in Nepal?

Traditional Hindu practice discourages marriage within the same gotra because it’s considered a union within the extended family. Families usually verify gotra before marriage.

If we have different surnames but the same gotra, does it matter?

Yes. Gotra is decisive in this custom, not the surname. Even with different thars, the same gotra is treated as the same lineage.

Which gotra belongs to common Nepali surnames?

  • Sapkota : Kaudinya
  • Adhikari : Bharadwaj (also seen: Atri/Kashyap in some lineages)
  • Dhakal : Upamanyu
  • Khanal : Ghrit Kaushik
  • Pokharel : Bharadwaj / Atreya

(Use the search box above to find yours.)

Is gotra the same as surname (thar)?

Not exactly. Thar is the family name used daily; gotra is the ancestral rishi lineage. One gotra can include many surnames, and one surname may map to multiple gotra across regions.

Does gotra still matter today?

It varies by family and community. Some treat it as cultural heritage; others strictly observe traditional rules, especially around marriage.

Disclaimer: Gotra information listed here is based on widely observed traditions in Nepal. Variations exist across regions and families. Please verify with elders or family priests for personal or ceremonial use.

Sources & References

  • Gotra/surname mappings are community traditions passed down through families; regional variations exist.
  • Families commonly verify details with elders, priests (purohit), and temple records before marriage decisions.
  • For clarity and respect, WapNepal lists mappings as widely observed associations rather than absolute rules.