शर्मा गोत्र सूची (Sharma Gotra List)
A very common question among Hindu families with the Sharma surname is: "What is our Gotra?" The answer is: your surname does not determine your Gotra. Unlike in some Vaishya communities (like the Agarwals, where Gotra is encoded in the surname), Brahmin surnames like Sharma are shared across dozens of different Gotras.
This guide explains why, and lists the most commonly found Gotras among Sharma families across different regions of India.
Why Sharma Doesn't Determine Your Gotra
Sharma (शर्मा) is a Brahmin surname derived from the Sanskrit word sharman (श्रमण), meaning "joy, shelter, comfort, protection." It is one of the most common surnames in India, shared by millions of Brahmin families across North India, Nepal, and beyond.
Because the Sharma surname is so widely used, it cuts across virtually every major Brahmin Gotra. A Sharma family in Uttar Pradesh might belong to the Bharadwaj Gotra, while a Sharma family in Himachal Pradesh might be Kashyap Gotra, and a Sharma family in Rajasthan might be Vashishtha Gotra.
The Gotra is passed down through the paternal line and is determined by which Vedic Rishi your paternal ancestors descended from — not by your surname.
Most Common Gotras Among Sharma Families
Based on regional and community distributions across North India, these are the Gotras most frequently found among Sharma families:
| Gotra | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bharadwaj | Pan-India | One of the most common across all Brahmin surnames |
| Kashyap | Pan-India (especially Kashmir, Punjab, UP) | The most widespread Gotra in all of India |
| Vashishtha | UP, Rajasthan, Gujarat, HP | Saptarishi lineage |
| Parashar | UP, HP, Punjab | Vashishtha-branch lineage |
| Atri | UP, Rajasthan, MP | Saptarishi lineage |
| Gautam | Bihar, UP, Maharashtra | Associated with Brahmin communities in multiple regions |
| Shandilya | UP, Bihar, Bengal | Very common in East and North India |
| Angirasa | MP, Rajasthan | Ancient parent lineage |
| Vatsa | UP, Bihar | Common among Kannauj Brahmins |
| Garg | Rajasthan, UP, Haryana | Also common among Vaishyas |
How to Find Your Actual Sharma Gotra
Since your surname doesn't reveal your Gotra, here are the best ways to find it:
1. Ask Your Father or Grandfather
The Gotra is passed down paternal line. Your father knows his Gotra, and it is the same as yours.
2. Check Your Family Puja Records
Many Hindu families have a family priest (kul purohit) who maintains a pedigree register (vanshavali). The Gotra is always recorded in ancestral ceremonies.
3. Look at Your Wedding Invitation
In traditional Hindu wedding invitations, the Gotra of both families is mentioned alongside the Pravara.
4. Use the Gotra Finder
Our Gotra Finder tool lets you search for Gotras associated with your surname or region.
What Is the Pravara of Common Sharma Gotras?
If you know your Gotra, the Pravara is the chain of ancestral Rishis you recite at ceremonies. For common Sharma Gotras:
Bharadwaj Gotra Pravara: Angirasa → Barhaspatya → Bharadwaja (3-pravaras)
Kashyap Gotra Pravara: Kashyapa → Aavatsaara → Naidhruva (3-pravaras)
Vashishtha Gotra Pravara: Vashishtha → Indrapramada → Abharadwasu (3-pravaras)
For complete Pravara details, see each Gotra's dedicated page linked in the table above.
Sharma Gotra and Marriage
When a Sharma family arranges a marriage, both families exchange their Gotra and Pravara. If both share the same Gotra, the marriage is traditionally not permitted (Gotra exogamy rule). This rule applies regardless of how the families are related or how geographically distant they are.
Two Sharma families with different Gotras can marry — there is no restriction based on surname alone.
Read more: Why Same Gotra Marriage is Prohibited in Hinduism
Discover Your Sharma Gotra
Use our Gotra Finder — type "Sharma" in the search box to find Gotras commonly associated with this surname. Or explore the complete Gotra directory to learn about all 91 Gotras.
Once you know your Gotra, preserve your heritage for future generations — start your family tree on Vanshmool →