They are found mostly in the Indian states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
[5] In Andhra Pradesh region including present-day Telangana state, Narahari Tirtha is said to have converted many people into the Madhva fold.
[5] In the late 19th century pontiffs of Majjige Halli Matha converted many people from Saurashtra Vaishya (mercantile) community from Madurai district of Tamil Nadu to the Madhva faith.
[7][8][9] Narahari Tirtha is also said to have converted many princely and aristocratic families of Kalinga region (Orissa and Coastal Andhra) to the Madhva fold.
[7] In the early 19th century Vishvadhiraja Tirtha of Sode Matha converted many people from Nambudiri and Nair communities to Madhva fold.