Are gacchadhipati Greater or acharya

In Jainism, particularly within the Śvetāmbara sect, the term Āchārya refers to the highest spiritual leader of an order or group of monks. The Gacchadhipati (sometimes spelled Gachhadhipati) is a specific title given to the head of a gaccha (a monastic lineage or sub-sect within the Śvetāmbara tradition).

Relationship and Hierarchy:

• Every Gacchadhipati is an Āchārya, as he is the head of a gaccha.
• However, not every Āchārya is necessarily a Gacchadhipati, since there can be other Āchāryas who do not lead a full gaccha.
• The title Gacchadhipati carries special significance and authority within his particular gaccha, as he is the supreme head of that lineage.

In summary: The position of Gacchadhipati is considered higher within the context of a gaccha, as he is the chief Āchārya of that lineage. But in the general Jain hierarchy, Āchārya is the highest monastic rank, and Gacchadhipati is a specific designation of an Āchārya who leads a gaccha.

References:

• "The Jains" by Paul Dundas
• "Jainism: The World of Conquerors" by Natubhai Shah