Can a householder (grihastha) be Spiritual Master? (Q&A)

Answer

Yes

Evidence

…a performer of purshcarana, expert at chanting mantras in yajnas, aware of what is needed, austere, and truthful. These are the qualities of a householder spiritual-master.”

– Hari Bhakti Vilasa > First Vilasa – Part 1 – Text 44

Sanskrit

purashcarana-krid dhoma-
mantra-siddhah prayoga-vit
tapasvi satya-vadi ca
grihastho gurur ucyate 

purashcarana-krit—a performer of purashcarana; homa-mantra-siddhah—expert at chanting mantras in yajnas; prayoga-vit—aware of what is needed; tapasvi—austere; satya-vadi—truthful; ca—and; grihasthah—a householder; guruh—spiritual master; ucyate—is said.