What are the 84 gotta

In Jainism, the term "84 gotra" (sometimes spelled "gaccha" or "gotra") refers to the traditional lineage or clan groups among Jain laypeople, particularly in the Śvetāmbara sect. These gotras serve as identifiers of ancestral lines and help structure social organization, especially related to marriage customs to avoid intra-gotra marriages.

The concept of "chourasi gotra" (chourasi means 84 in Hindi) is especially significant among Jain communities such as Oswal, Porwal, and other merchant castes. According to tradition, the 84 gotras were established by the original 84 chief families who accepted Jainism from their previous faiths under the guidance of Jain Acharyas. Each gotra is named after an ancestor or a place of origin.

These gotras are not religious divisions but rather social and cultural groupings. They play a role in community events, genealogical records, and marriage alliances to ensure exogamy (marriage outside the gotra). The list of 84 gotras can vary between sub-communities, and the specific names are preserved in community records.

In Jain monastic tradition, "gaccha" also refers to sub-sects or monastic lineages, but the "84 gotra" concept is specifically related to lay Jains’ family and clan structure.

To summarize:

• The 84 gotras are ancestral lineages among Jain laypeople, especially in Śvetāmbara communities.
• They help structure social organization and marriage alliances.
• They are named after ancestors or places.
• The list and names of gotras may vary by community.

If you would like a list of the 84 gotras for a specific Jain community, please specify the community (Oswal, Porwal, etc.), as the names differ between groups.