Smartism
Liberal tradition accepting multiple deities as aspects of one Brahman.
inclusivephilosophicalritualistic
Overview
Smartism, associated with Adi Shankaracharya, represents a liberal tradition that accepts the worship of multiple deities as equally valid paths. It emphasizes both ritual observance and philosophical understanding.
Key Ideas
- 1Five deities (Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti, Ganesha, Surya) as Brahman's forms
- 2Advaita Vedanta as philosophical foundation
- 3Both karma (action) and jnana (knowledge) are valid paths
- 4Flexibility in practice with orthodoxy in principle
Primary Practices
Panchayatana pujaStudy of shastrasTraditional ritualsPersonal ishta-devata
Who It Suits
Those who appreciate multiple forms of the divine, seekers wanting philosophical grounding with ritual practice, and those from traditional Hindu backgrounds.
How to Start
Learn about Panchayatana worship, study Advaita basics, and establish a personal shrine with chosen deities.