Hindu denominations

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{{Short description|Traditions within Hinduism centered on one or more gods or goddesses}}
{{Hinduism_small}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
'''Hindu denominations''', '''''[[sampradaya]]s''''', '''traditions''', '''movements''', and '''sects''' are traditions and sub-traditions within [[Hinduism]] centered on one or more gods or goddesses, such as [[Vishnu]], [[Shiva]], [[Shakti]] and so on.<ref name=lancenelson/> The term ''sampradaya'' is used for branches with a particular founder-[[guru]] with a particular philosophy.{{sfn|Lipner|2009|pp=377, 398}}

Hinduism has no central doctrinal authority and many practising Hindus do not claim to belong to any particular denomination or tradition.{{sfn|Werner|1994|p=73}} Four major traditions are, however, used in scholarly studies: ''[[Vaishnavism]]'', ''[[Shaivism]]'', ''[[Shaktism]]'' and ''[[Smartism]]''.<ref name=lancenelson>Lance Nelson (2007), An Introductory Dictionary of Theology and Religious Studies (Editors: Orlando O. Espín, James B. Nickoloff), Liturgical Press, {{ISBN|978-0814658567}}, pages 562–563</ref>{{sfn|Bhandarkar|1913|p=}}{{sfn|Tattwananda|n.d.|p=}}{{sfn|Flood|1996|p=113, 134, 155–161, 167–168}} These are sometimes referred to as the denominations of Hinduism, and they differ in the primary deity at the centre of the tradition.<ref name=sskumar>SS Kumar (2010), Bhakti — the Yoga of Love, LIT Verlag Münster, {{ISBN|978-3643501301}}, pp. 35–36.</ref> A notable feature of Hindu denominations is that they do not deny other concepts of the divine or deity, and often celebrate the other as [[Henotheism|henotheistic]] equivalent.<ref>{{cite book|author=George Lundskow |title=The Sociology of Religion: A Substantive and Transdisciplinary Approach |url={{Google books|5AV1AwAAQBAJ|plainurl=yes}} |year=2008|publisher=Sage Publ. |isbn=978-1-4522-4518-8 |pages=252–253}}</ref> The denominations of Hinduism, states [[Julius J. Lipner|Lipner]], are unlike those found in major religions of the world, because Hindu denominations are fuzzy with individuals practising more than one, and he suggests the term "Hindu polycentrism".{{sfn|Lipner|2009|pp=371–375}}

Although Hinduism contains many denominations and philosophies, it is linked by shared concepts, recognisable rituals, [[Hindu cosmology|cosmology]], [[Hindu texts|shared textual resources]], [[Hindu pilgrimage sites|pilgrimage to sacred sites]] and the [[Hinduism#Questioning authority|questioning of authority]].{{sfn|Frazier|2011|pp=1–15}}

==Typology==
The word ''[[Hindus|Hindu]]'' is an exonym. This word ''Hindu'' is derived from the [[Indo-Aryan languages|Indo-Aryan]] and [[Sanskrit]] word ''Sindhu'', which means "a large body of water", covering "river, ocean". It was used as the name of the [[Indus River]] and also referred to its tributaries. The actual term 'hindu' first occurs, states Gavin Flood, as "a [[Persian language|Persian]] geographical term for the people who lived beyond the river Indus (Sanskrit: ''Sindhu'')". Hindus are persons who regard themselves as culturally, ethnically, or religiously adhering to aspects of [[Hinduism]]. Historically, the term has also been used as a geographical, cultural, and later religious identifier for people living in the [[Indian subcontinent]]. In the 18th century, European merchants and colonists began to refer to the followers of [[Indian religions]] collectively as ''Hindus'' until about mid 20th century. Hindus subscribe to a diversity of ideas on [[Spirituality#Hinduism|spirituality]] and traditions, but have no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book; Hindus can choose to be [[Polytheism#Hinduism|polytheistic]], [[Pantheism#Traditional religions|pantheistic]], [[Monotheism#Hinduism|monotheistic]], [[Monism#Hinduism|monistic]], [[Agnosticism|agnostic]], [[Atheism|atheistic]] or [[Humanism|humanist]].{{sfn|Lipner|2009|p=8|loc=Quote: "(...) one need not be religious in the minimal sense described to be accepted as a Hindu by Hindus, or describe oneself perfectly validly as Hindu. One may be polytheistic or monotheistic, monistic or pantheistic, even an agnostic, humanist or atheist, and still be considered a Hindu."}}<ref>Lester Kurtz (ed.), Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace and Conflict, {{ISBN|978-0123695031}}, Academic Press, 2008.</ref><ref>MK Gandhi, [http://www.mkgandhi.org/ebks/essence_of_hinduism.pdf The Essence of Hinduism], Editor: VB Kher, Navajivan Publishing, see page 3; According to Gandhi, "a man may not believe in God and still call himself a Hindu."</ref>

Hinduism as it is commonly known can be subdivided into a number of major currents. Of the historical division into six [[darsanas]] (philosophies), two schools, [[Vedanta]] and [[Yoga (philosophy)|Yoga]], are currently the most prominent.<ref>{{cite book|title=Development and Religion: Theology and Practice|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DIvHQc0-rwgC |author=Matthew Clarke|publisher=Edward Elgar |year=2011|page=28|isbn = 9780857930736}}</ref> Classified by primary deity or deities, four major Hinduism modern currents are [[Vaishnavism]] (Vishnu), [[Shaivism]] (Shiva), [[Shaktism]] (Shakti) and [[Smarta Tradition|Smartism]] (five deities treated as same).{{sfn|Bhandarkar|1913|p=}}{{sfn|Tattwananda|n.d.|p=}}{{sfn|Flood|1996|pp=113, 154}} These deity-centered denominations feature a synthesis of various [[Hindu philosophy|philosophies]] such as Samkhya, Yoga and Vedanta, as well as shared spiritual concepts such as [[moksha]], [[dharma]], [[karma]], [[samsara]], ethical precepts such as [[ahimsa]], texts ([[Upanishad]]s, [[Puranas]], [[Mahabharata]], Agamas), ritual grammar and rites of passage.{{sfn|Frazier|2011|pp=1–15}}{{sfn|Lipner|2009|pp=17–18, 81–82, 183–201, 206–215, 330–331, 371–375}}

===Six generic types (McDaniel)===
McDaniel (2007) distinguishes six generic types of Hinduism, in an attempt to accommodate a variety of views on a rather complex subject:<ref>J. McDaniel ''Hinduism'', in John Corrigan, ''The Oxford Handbook of Religion and Emotion'', (2007) Oxford University Press, 544 pages, pp. 52–53 {{ISBN|0-19-517021-0}}</ref>
* [[Folk Hinduism]], based on local traditions and cults of local [[deities]] and extending back to prehistoric times, or at least prior to written [[Vedas]].
* [[Shrauta]] or "Vedic" Hinduism as practised by traditionalist [[brahmin]]s ([[Shrauta|Shrautin]]s).
* [[Vedanta|Vedantic]] Hinduism, including [[Advaita Vedanta]] ([[Smartism]]), based on the philosophical approach of the [[Upanishads]].
* [[Yoga|Yogic]] Hinduism, especially the sect based on the [[Yoga Sutras of Patanjali]].
* [[Dharma|"Dharmic"]] Hinduism or "daily morality", based on [[Karma]] and upon societal norms such as [[Vivāha]] (Hindu marriage customs).
* [[Bhakti]] or devotionalist practices

===Sampradaya===
{{Main|Sampradaya}}

In [[Hinduism]], a ''sampradaya'' ([[IAST]] ''{{IAST|sampradāya}}''){{refn|group=note|Quoted in [[Otto von Böhtlingk|Böhtlingk]]'s [[Sanskrit]]-Sanskrit [[dictionary]], entry ''Sampradaya''.{{sfn|Apte|1965}}}} is a denomination.{{sfn|Lipner|2009|p=398}} These are teaching traditions with autonomous practices and monastic centers, with a guru lineage, with ideas developed and transmitted, redefined and reviewed by each successive generation of followers.{{sfn|Lipner|2009|pp=375–377, 397–398}} A particular [[guru]] lineage is called ''[[parampara]]''. By receiving [[Diksha|diksha (initiation)]] into the ''parampara'' of a living guru, one belongs to its proper ''sampradaya''.

==Number of adherents==
There are no census data available on demographic history or trends for the traditions within Hinduism.<ref>[http://www.pewforum.org/2012/12/18/global-religious-landscape-hindu/ The global religious landscape: Hindus], Pew Research (2012)</ref> Estimates vary on the relative number of adherents in the different traditions of Hinduism. According to a 2010 estimate by Johnson and Grim, the Vaishnavism tradition is the largest group with about 641 million or 67.6% of Hindus, followed by Shaivism with 252 million or 26.6%, Shaktism with 30 million or 3.2% and other traditions including Neo-Hinduism and Reform Hinduism with 25 million or 2.6%.<ref name=johnson400>{{cite book|last1=Johnson |first1=Todd M |last2=Grim |first2= Brian J |title=The World's Religions in Figures: An Introduction to International Religious Demography|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SAzizViY30EC&q=Table+1.19 |year=2013|publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=9781118323038|page=400}}</ref> Hillerbrand mentions "70% Vaishnavites, 25% Shaivites, 2% neo-Hindus and reform Hindus."{{sfn|Hillerbrand|2004|p=906}} According to Jones and Ryan, "The followers of Vaishnavism are many fewer
than those of Shaivism, numbering perhaps 200 million."{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|p=474}}{{dubious|date=February 2022}}

According to Gavin Flood, the Shaivism and Shaktism traditions are difficult to separate, as many Shaiva Hindus revere the goddess Shakti regularly.<ref name=flood200shakti>{{cite book|author=Gavin Flood|title=The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SKBxa-MNqA8C|year=2008|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-0-470-99868-7|page=200}}, Quote: "it is often impossible to meaningfully distinguish between Saiva and Sakta traditions".</ref> The denominations of Hinduism, states Julius Lipner, are unlike those found in major religions of the world, because Hindu denominations are fuzzy with individuals revering gods and goddesses [[Henotheism#Hinduism|polycentrically]], with many Shaiva and Vaishnava adherents recognizing Sri (Lakshmi), Parvati, Saraswati and other aspects of the goddess Devi. Similarly, Shakta Hindus revere Shiva and goddesses such as Parvati (such as Durga, Radha, Sita and others) and Saraswati important in Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.<ref>[[Julius J. Lipner]] (2009), Hindus: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices, 2nd Edition, Routledge, {{ISBN|978-0-415-45677-7}}, pages 40–41, 302–315, 371–375</ref>

==Main denominations==

===Vaishnavism===
[[File:Krishna, Kottangal padayani.JPG|thumb|Vaishnavism focuses on an avatar of Vishnu, such as Krishna above]]
{{main|Vaishnavism|Krishnaism}}

[[Vaishnavism]] is a devotional stream of Hinduism, which worships the god [[Vishnu]] as the Supreme Lord ([[Svayam Bhagavan]]). As well as Vishnu himself, followers of the denomination also worship Vishnu's ten incarnations (the [[Dashavatara]]).{{sfn|Dandekar|1987}} The two most-worshipped incarnations of Vishnu are Krishna (especially within [[Krishnaism]] as the Supreme){{sfn|Hardy|1987}} and Rama, whose stories are told in the [[Mahabharata]] and the [[Ramayana]], respectively. The adherents of this sect are generally non-ascetic, monastic and devoted to meditative practice and ecstatic chanting.<ref name="Dubois"/> Vaishnavites are deeply devotional. Their religion is rich in saints, temples and scriptures.<ref name="Himalaya Academy">{{cite web|title=HimalayanAcademy|url=http://www.himalayanacademy.com/readlearn/basics/four-sects|access-date=2014-02-07}}</ref>

Among [[Historical Vishnuism]] are known the [[Bhagavata|Bhagavatism]], [[Pancharatra]] and [[Vaikhanasas|Vaikhanasa]] traditions.

The major living Vaishnava ''sampradayas'' include:{{sfn|Dandekar|1987}}{{sfn|Tattwananda|n.d.|pp=13–68}}
* [[Sri Vaishnavism]] ({{a.k.a.}} Sri-Vaishnava Sampradaya/Sri Sampradaya/[[Iyengars]]/[[Vishistadvaita]]) is associated with [[Lakshmi]]. The principal acharyas are [[Ramanujacharya]] and [[Vedanta Desikan]]. Sri subsampradayas:
** [[Sri Vaishnavism#Tenkalai/Thennacharya sect ("southern art") - Manavala Mamunigal|Thenkalais]]. [[Manavala Mamunigal]]'s sect is the oldest Vaishnava sect in India. This sampradaya was followed by [[Vyasa]], [[Parasara]], [[Bodhayana]]. The lineage of Acharya is [[Lord Narayana]], next Lakshmi and then Vishweksenar, Nammalwar, Nathamuni, Uyyakondar, Manakal Nambi, Alavandar, Periya Nambi, [[Ramanujacharya]] and finally [[Vedanta Desikan]] as per the Vadagalai sampradaya.
** [[Sri Vaishnavism#Vadakalai ("northern art") - Vedanta Desika|Vadakalais]]
*** [[Munitraya Sampradayam|Munitraya]]
* [[Ramanandi Sampradaya]], also known as the Ramayat Sampradaya or the Ramavat Sampradaya adheres to the teachings of the Advaita scholar [[Ramananda]]. This is the largest monastic group within Hinduism and in Asia, and these Vaishnava monks are known as ''Ramanandis'', ''Vairagis'' or ''Bairagis''.<ref>Selva Raj and William Harman (2007), Dealing with Deities: The Ritual Vow in South Asia, State University of New York Press, {{ISBN|978-0791467084}}, pages 165–166</ref><ref>James G Lochtefeld (2002), The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N–Z, Rosen Publishing, {{ISBN|978-0823931804}}, pages 553–554</ref>{{sfn|Lamb|2008|pp=317–330}}
* [[Brahma Sampradaya]] is associated with [[Vishnu]], who is the Para-Brahma (Universal Creator), not to be confused with the [[Brahma]] deity. The founder of this sampradaya was the [[Dvaita Vedanta]] philosopher [[Madhvacharya]]. Its modern form is [[Haridasa]] and [[Sadh Vaishnavism]].
** [[Gaudiya Vaishnavism]] ({{a.k.a.}} Chaitanya Sampradaya) is associated with Brahma Sampradaya, and is associated with [[Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]] (Gaurangacharya):
*** Brahmanic traditional lineages
**** [[Sri Caitanya Prema Samsthana]]
*** [[Gaudiya Math]] reform lineages
**** [[Gaudiya Mission]]
**** [[Sri Devananda Gaudiya Math|Gaudiya Vedanta Samiti]]
**** [[International Society for Krishna Consciousness]] (ISKCON)
**** [[ISKCON Revival Movement]]
**** [[Science of Identity Foundation]]
**** [[Tripurari Swami#Gaudiya Vaishnavite Society|Sri Caitanya Sangha]]
**** [[Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar#Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math|Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math]]
**** [[Bhakti Hridaya Bon#Sri Sri Radha Govindaji Trust|Sri Sri Radha Govindaji Trust]]
**** [[World Vaisnava Association]]
*** [[Manipuri Vaishnavism]] is a regional form of Gaudiya Vaishnavism and continues to be followed across [[Manipur]] with well-defined traditions and devotional practices.
* [[Kumara Sampradaya]] ({{a.k.a.}} [[Nimbarka Sampradaya]]) is the tradition associated with [[Four Kumaras]] and the principal acharya [[Nimbarkacharya]].
* [[Rudra Sampradaya]]. The principal acharya is [[Vallabhacharya]], the founder of [[Pushtimarg]] tradition.
* [[Swaminarayan Sampradaya]] or ''Swaminarayanism'', based on the teachings of [[Swaminarayan]]:{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=429–431}} Its two original branches are the [[Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi]] (with subordinate bodies, the [[International Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal|ISSM]], [[Swaminarayan Gurukul]]) and the [[Nar Narayan Dev Gadi]] (with the subordinate [[International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation|ISSO]] and [[Narnarayan Dev Yuvak Mandal|NNDYM]]). Among its other denominations there are the [[Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha]] (BAPS),{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|p=430}} [[Swaminarayan Sampradaya#Gunatit Samaj|Gunatit Samaj]], [[Swaminarayan Sampradaya#Swaminarayan Gadi (Maninagar)|Swaminarayan Gadi (Maninagar)]] and [[Swaminarayan Mandir Vasna Sanstha|SMVS]].
* [[Warkari]] Sampradaya, adheres to teaching of prominent bhakti saints of [[Maharashtra]] like [[Namdev|Namadeva]], [[Dnyaneshwar|Jnaneshwara]], [[Eknath]], [[Tukaram]] as well as [[Changdev|Changadeva]], [[Muktabai]], [[Gora Kumbhar]], [[Savata Mali]], [[Narahari Sonar]], [[Janabai]], [[Sena Nhavi]] and [[Kanhopatra]]. The Warkari Sampradaya promotes the worship of god [[Vithoba]], which is a manifestation of [[Krishna]].
Minor and regional Vaishnavite schools and the principal [[acharya]]s connected with them are:{{sfn|Tattwananda|n.d.|pp=13–68}}
* [[Balmikism]], linked to sage [[Valmiki]].
* [[Ekasarana Dharma]] ({{a.k.a.}} Asomiya Vaishnavism), adheres to the teachings of Srimanta [[Sankaradeva]].
* [[Kapadi|Kapadi Sampradaya]].
* [[Mahanam Sampraday]]a, adheres to the teachings of [[Prabhu Jagadbandhu|Prabhu Jagadbandu]] who is considered to be the incarnation of [[Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]] the founder of [[Gaudiya Vaishnavism]] considered to be an avatar of Radha Krishna.
* [[Mahanubhava]] panth, adheres to the teachings of Sarvajna Shri [[Chakradhara]].
* [[Odisha|Odia]] Vaishnavism ({{a.k.a.}} [[Jagannath]]ism), the regional cult of the god [[Jagannath]] as abstract form of Krishna.
* [[Pranami]] ([[Pranami Sampraday]]a), adheres to the teachings of Devachandra Maharaj.
* [[Radha Vallabh Sampradaya]].
* [[Ramsnehi]] Sampradaya.
* [[Vaishnava-Sahajiya]] ([[tantra|tantric]]).
** [[Baul]].

===Shaivism ===
{{main|Shaivism}}
[[File:Murudeshwar Shiva.jpg|thumb|Shaivism focuses on Shiva]]

Shaivas or Shaivites are those who primarily worship [[Shiva]] as the supreme god, both [[immanence|immanent]] and [[transcendence (religion)|transcendent]]. Shaivism embraces at the same time [[monism]] (specifically [[nondualism]]) and [[Dualism (Indian philosophy)|dualism]]. To Shaivites, Shiva is both with and without form; he is the Supreme Dancer, [[Nataraja]]; and is [[linga]], without beginning or end. Shiva is sometimes depicted as the fierce god [[Bhairava]]. Saivists are more attracted to [[asceticism]] than devotees of other Hindu sects, and may be found wandering India with [[ash]]en faces performing self-purification rituals.<ref name="Dubois"/> They worship in the temple and practice yoga, striving to be one with Shiva within.<ref name="Himalaya Academy"/>

The major schools of Śaivism include:{{sfn|Tattwananda|1984|pp=}}
* [[Saiva Siddhanta]], adheres to the teachings of [[Tirumular]]/Sundaranatha ([[Nandinatha Sampradaya]], the monistic school) or of Meykandadeva ([[Meykandar Sampradaya]], the dualistic school).
** [[Saiva Siddhanta Church]] in United States.{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=424–425}}
* [[Shiva Advaita]], adheres to the teachings of Nilakantha (Srikantha) and [[Appayya Dikshitar]].
* [[Kashmir Shaivism]], adheres to the teachings of [[Vasugupta]] and his disciplinic lineage, including [[Abhinavagupta]].
* [[Pashupata Shaivism]], adheres to the teachings of [[Lakulisa]].
* [[Aghori]].
* [[Kapalika]].
* [[Nath]].
** [[Adinath Sampradaya]] or Siddha Siddhanta, adheres to the teachings of [[Gorakhnath]]a and [[Matsyendranath]]a.
** [[Inchegeri Sampradaya]].

Other branches:
* [[Lingayatism]] or [[Veerashaivism]] is a distinct Shaivite tradition in India, established in the 12th century by the philosopher and social reformer [[Basavanna]]. It makes several departures from mainstream [[Hinduism]] and propounds [[monotheism]] through worship centered on Lord [[Shiva]] in the form of [[linga]] or ''Ishtalinga''. It also rejects the authority of the [[Veda]]s and the [[Caste system in India|caste system]].<ref>{{cite book | title = Speaking of Śiva | url = https://archive.org/details/speakingofiva0000rama | url-access = registration | series = UNESCO. Indian translation series. Penguin classics. Religion and mythology | publisher = Penguin India | editor = A. K. Ramanujan | year = 1973 | isbn = 978-0-14-044270-0 | page = [https://archive.org/details/speakingofiva0000rama/page/175 175]}}</ref><ref>"[https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/342355/Lingayat Lingayat]." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2010. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 09 Jul. 2010.</ref>
* ''Aaiyyanism'' is a religion claiming to be a form of pure Dravidian Hinduism and identifying as a Shaivite branch. It is incorporated in the Aaiyyan World Forum.
* [[Hinduism in Indonesia|Indonesian Shaivism]].

===Shaktism===
{{main|Shaktism}}
[[File:3 Shaktism goddesses Devi collage.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|Shaktism is a Goddess-centric tradition of Hinduism. From left: [[Parvati]]/[[Durga]], [[Kali]] and [[Lakshmi]]]]
Shaktas worship Goddess as Mother [[Shakti]], in different forms. These forms may include [[Kali]], [[Parvati]]/[[Durga]], [[Lakshmi]] and [[Saraswati]]. The branch of Hinduism that worships the goddess, known as Devi, is called [[Shaktism]]. Followers of Shaktism recognize [[Shakti]] as the supreme power of the universe. Devi is often depicted as [[Parvati]] (the consort of Shiva) or as [[Lakshmi]] (the consort of Vishnu). She is also depicted in other manifestations, such as the protective [[Durga]] or the violent [[Kali]]. Shaktism is closely related with Tantric Hinduism, which teaches rituals and practices for purification of the mind and body.<ref name="Dubois"/>

Animal sacrifice of cockerels, goats and to a lesser extent water buffaloes is practiced by Shakti devotees, mainly at temples of Goddesses such as Bhavani or Kali.<ref name="Fuller Christopher John 2004 83">{{cite book|last=Fuller Christopher John|title=The camphor flame: popular Hinduism and society in India|chapter-url=http://press.princeton.edu/titles/7823.html|edition=Revised and Expanded|year=2004|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=978-0-691-12048-5|page=83|chapter=4}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=J. Fuller|first= C.|title=The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India [Paperback] |edition=Revised|date=26 July 2004|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=0-691-12048-X |page=83|chapter=4 Sacrifice |quote=Animal sacrifice is still practiced widely and is an important ritual in popular Hinduism}}</ref>

The main traditions are:
* [[Shaktism#Kalikula: family of Kali|Kalikula]];
* [[Shri Vidya|Srikula]].{{sfn|Tattwananda|1984|p=}}

The Goddess-centric traditions within Kashmir Shaivism are [[Trika]] and [[Kubjika]].

===Smartism===
[[File:Aum Om gold circle black.svg|thumb|right|upright=0.8|Aum]]
{{main|Smarta tradition}}
Smartas treat all deities as the same, and their temples include five deities (Pancopasana) or [[Panchadevata]] as personal ''saguna'' (divine with form) manifestation of the ''nirguna'' (divine without form) Absolute, the [[Brahman]]. The choice of the nature of God is up to the individual worshiper since different manifestations of God are held to be equivalent. It is nonsectarian as it encourages the worship of any personal god along with others such as Ganesha, Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu, Surya.<ref name="Dubois">{{cite book|last=Dubois|title=Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies|publisher=Cosimo|page=111|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4zMY2qURR-8C&q=hindu+sects&pg=PA111|isbn=9781602063365|date=2007-04-01}}</ref>

The Smarta Tradition accepts two concepts of Brahman, which are the ''[[saguna brahman]]'' – the Brahman with attributes, and ''[[nirguna brahman]]'' – the Brahman without attributes.<ref name="dx.doi.org">Anantanand Rambachan (2001), [https://dx.doi.org/10.7825/2164-6279.1250 Hierarchies in the Nature of God? Questioning The "Saguna-Nirguna" Distinction in Advaita Vedanta], ''Journal of Hindu–Christian Studies'', Vol. 14, No. 7, pages 1–6</ref> The ''nirguna Brahman'' is the unchanging Reality, however, the ''saguna Brahman'' is posited as a means to realizing this ''nirguna Brahman''.<ref name=williamw/> The concept of the ''saguna Brahman'' is considered in this tradition to be a useful symbolism and means for those who are still on their spiritual journey, but the saguna concept is abandoned by the fully enlightened once he or she realizes the identity of their own soul with that of the ''nirguna Brahman''.<ref name=williamw>William Wainwright (2012), [http://stanford.library.usyd.edu.au/entries/concepts-god/ Concepts of God], ''Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'', Stanford University</ref> A Smarta may choose any ''saguna'' deity (''istadevata'') such as Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti, Surya, Ganesha or any other, and this is viewed in Smarta Tradition as an interim step towards meditating on Om and true nature of supreme reality, thereby realizing the ''nirguna'' Brahman and its equivalence to one's own Atman, as in [[Advaita Vedanta]].{{sfn|Hiltebeitel|2013|pp=29–30}}

The movement is credited to [[Adi Shankara|Shankara]] (~8th century CE), who is regarded as the greatest teacher{{sfn|Doniger|1999|p=1017}}{{sfn|Popular Prakashan|2000|p=52}} and reformer of the Smartha.{{sfn|Rosen|2006|p=166}}{{sfn|Popular Prakashan|2000|p=52}} According to Hiltebeitel, Shankara established the nondualist interpretation of the Upanishads as the touchstone of a revived ''smarta'' tradition.{{sfn|Hiltebeitel|2013}} The [[Sringeri Sharada Peetham|Sringeri Sharada monastery]] founded by [[Adi Shankara]] Acharya in Karnataka is still the centre of the Smarta sect.{{sfn|Doniger|1999|p=1017}}{{sfn|Popular Prakashan|2000|p=52}}

===Overlap===
Halbfass states that, although traditions such as [[Shaivism]] and [[Vaishnavism]] may be regarded as "self-contained religious constellations",{{sfn|Halbfass|1991|p=15}} there is a degree of interaction and reference between the "theoreticians and literary representatives"{{sfn|Halbfass|1991|p=15}} of each tradition which indicates the presence of "a wider sense of identity, a sense of coherence in a shared context and of inclusion in a common framework and horizon".{{sfn|Halbfass|1991|p=15}} It is common to find Hindus revering Shiva, Vishnu and Shakti, and celebrating festivals related to them at different times of the year. Temples often feature more than one of them, and Hinduism is better understood as polycentric theosophy that leaves the choice of deity and ideas to the individual.{{sfn|Lipner|2009|pp=371–375}}

The key concepts and practises of the four major denominations of Hinduism can be compared as below:

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+Comparison of four major traditions of Hinduism
|-
! !! style="background: #ffcc99;"| Shaiva Traditions !! style="background: #ffcc99;"|Vaishnava Traditions !! style="background: #ffcc99;"|Shakti Traditions !! style="background: #ffcc99;" |Smarta Traditions || References
|-
|Scriptural authority || Vedas, Upanishads and Agamas || Vedas, Upanishads and Agamas || Vedas and Upanishads ||Vedas and Upanishads ||{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|p=474}}<ref name="Dhavamony1999p33">{{cite book|author=Mariasusai Dhavamony |title=Hindu Spirituality |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=58UZWWzqglMC |date=1999 |publisher=Gregorian Press |isbn=978-88-7652-818-7 |pages=32–34}}</ref>
|-
|Supreme deity || God Shiva || God Vishnu || Goddess Devi || None ||{{sfn|Gonda|1970|p=}}<ref>{{cite book|author=Christopher Partridge |title=Introduction to World Religions |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z3AjAwAAQBAJ |year=2013|publisher=Fortress Press|isbn=978-0-8006-9970-3 |page=182}}</ref>
|-
|Creator || Shiva || Vishnu || Devi || Brahman principle ||{{sfn|Gonda|1970|p=}}<ref>{{cite book|author=Sanjukta Gupta|title=Advaita Vedanta and Vaisnavism: The Philosophy of Madhusudana Sarasvati|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4AFxluCHsoAC |year=2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-134-15774-7|pages=65–71}}</ref>
|-
|[[Avatar]] || Major || Key concept || Significant || Minor ||{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|p=474}}<ref name=laiengavatar>{{cite book|author=Lai Ah Eng |title=Religious Diversity in Singapore |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9MmNaNebFD8C |year=2008|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore|isbn=978-981-230-754-5|page=221}}</ref><ref name="Dhavamony2002p63">{{cite book|author=Mariasusai Dhavamony |title=Hindu-Christian Dialogue: Theological Soundings and Perspectives |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=poUxxH4fPwwC |year=2002|publisher=Rodopi |isbn=90-420-1510-1|page=63}}</ref>
|-
|[[Sannyasa|Monastic]] life || Recommends ||Accepts || Accepts || Recommends ||{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|p=474}}<ref>Stephen H Phillips (1995), Classical Indian Metaphysics, Columbia University Press, {{ISBN|978-0812692983}}, p. 332 with note 68.</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Patrick| last=Olivelle|year=1992|title= The Samnyasa Upanisads|publisher= Oxford University Press|isbn= 978-0195070453| pages=4–18}}</ref>
|-
|Rituals, [[Bhakti]] || Affirms{{sfn|Flood|1996|pp=162–167}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Shaivas|url=http://www.philtar.ac.uk/encyclopedia/hindu/devot/shaiv.html|website=Overview Of World Religions|publisher=Philtar|access-date=13 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Munavalli|first1=Somashekar|title=Lingayat Dharma (Veerashaiva Religion)|date=2007|publisher=Veerashaiva Samaja of North America|page=83|url=http://www.vsna.org/images/publications/lingayat-dharma-april-2007.pdf}}</ref> || Affirms || Affirms || Optional<ref>{{cite book|author=Prem Prakash|title=The Yoga of Spiritual Devotion: A Modern Translation of the Narada Bhakti Sutras|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oA7BLTFoOicC|year=1998|publisher=Inner Traditions|isbn=978-0-89281-664-4|pages=56–57}}</ref> ||<ref>{{cite journal | last=Frazier | first=J. | title=Bhakti in Hindu Cultures | journal=The Journal of Hindu Studies | publisher=Oxford University Press | volume=6 | issue=2 | year=2013 | pages=101–113 | doi=10.1093/jhs/hit028}}</ref>
|-
|[[Ahimsa]] and Vegetarianism || Recommends,{{sfn|Flood|1996|pp=162–167}} Optional|| Affirms || Optional || Recommends, Optional || <ref>{{cite book|author1=Lisa Kemmerer |author2=Anthony J. Nocella |title=Call to Compassion: Reflections on Animal Advocacy from the World's Religions |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lq70lgRwlRQC |year=2011|publisher=Lantern |isbn=978-1-59056-281-9|pages=27–36}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Frederick J. Simoons |title=Plants of Life, Plants of Death |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=KEUAbrBoeBAC |year=1998|publisher= University of Wisconsin Press |isbn= 978-0-299-15904-7 |pages=182–183}}</ref>
|-
|[[Free will]], [[Maya (illusion)|Maya]], [[Karma]] || Affirms || Affirms || Affirms || Affirms ||{{sfn|Gonda|1970|p=}}
|-
|Metaphysics || [[Brahman]] (Shiva), [[Atman (Hinduism)|Atman]] (Soul, Self) || Brahman (Vishnu), Atman || Brahman (Devi), Atman || Brahman, Atman ||{{sfn|Gonda|1970|p=}}
|-
|[[Epistemology]] ([[Pramana]]) || 1. Perception 2. Inference 3. Reliable testimony 4. Self-evident<ref>{{cite book|author=K. Sivaraman |title=Śaivism in Philosophical Perspective |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I1blW4-yY20C |year=1973|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|isbn=978-81-208-1771-5 |pages=336–340}}</ref>|| 1. Perception 2. Inference 3. Reliable testimony || 1. Perception 2. Inference 3. Reliable testimony || 1. Perception 2. Inference 3. Comparison and analogy 4. Postulation, derivation 5. Negative/cognitive proof 6. Reliable testimony ||<ref>John A. Grimes, A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy: Sanskrit Terms Defined in English, State University of New York Press, {{ISBN|978-0791430675}}, page 238</ref>{{sfn|Flood|1996|p=225}}<ref>Eliott Deutsche (2000), in Philosophy of Religion : Indian Philosophy Vol 4 (Editor: Roy Perrett), Routledge, {{ISBN|978-0815336112}}, pp. 245-248.</ref>
|-
|Philosophy||Dvaita, qualified advaita, advaita || Dvaita, qualified advaita, advaita || Shakti-advaita || Advaita ||<ref>{{cite book|last= McDaniel |first=June |title=Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=caeJpIj9SdkC | year =2004| publisher=Oxford University Press| isbn=978-0-19-534713-5| pages=89–91}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Matthew James Clark|title=The Daśanāmī-saṃnyāsīs: The Integration of Ascetic Lineages Into an Order|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g3DXAAAAMAAJ|year=2006|publisher=Brill|isbn=978-90-04-15211-3|pages=177–225}}</ref>
|-
|Salvation ([[Soteriology]]) || Jivanmukta, [[Karma|Charya]]-[[Kriyā]]-[[Yoga]]-[[Jnana]]<ref>{{cite book|last1=Hurley|first1=Leigh|last2=Hurley|first2=Phillip|title=Tantra, Yoga of Ecstasy: the Sadhaka's Guide to Kundalinin and the Left-Hand Path|date=2012|publisher=Maithuna Publications|isbn=9780983784722|page=5|url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=0983784728}}</ref> || Videhamukti, Yoga, champions householder life|| Bhakti, Tantra, Yoga || Jivanmukta, Advaita, Yoga, champions monastic life ||<ref name="Kim Skoog 1996 63–84, 236–239">{{cite book|author=Kim Skoog |editor1=Andrew O. Fort |editor2=Patricia Y. Mumme |title=Living Liberation in Hindu Thought |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U1EZjyLbxYAC |date= 1996 |publisher=SUNY Press |isbn= 978-0-7914-2706-4|pages=63–84, 236–239}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Rajendra Prasad |title=A Conceptual-analytic Study of Classical Indian Philosophy of Morals |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D5Hk8EkmQBcC |year=2008|publisher=Concept |isbn=978-81-8069-544-5 |page=375}}</ref>
|-
|}

==Other denominations==
===Suryaism / Saurism===
{{main|Saura (Hinduism)}}
The Suryaites or Sauras are followers of a Hindu denomination that started in Vedic tradition, and worship [[Surya]] as the main visible form of the [[Saguna Brahman]]. The Saura tradition was influential in South Asia, particularly in the west, north and other regions, with numerous Surya idols and temples built between 800 and 1000 CE.<ref>{{cite book|author=André Wink|title=Al-Hind, the Making of the Indo-Islamic World: Early Medieval India and the Expansion of Islam 7th–11th Centuries|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g2m7_R5P2oAC |year=2002|publisher=BRILL|isbn=0-391-04173-8|pages=292–293}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Asha Kalia|title=Art of Osian Temples: Socio-economic and Religious Life in India, 8th-12th Centuries A.D.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3n-sycLo3XQC |year=1982|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-0-391-02558-5|pages=1–7}}</ref> The [[Konark Sun Temple]] was built in the mid 13th century.<ref>{{cite book|author=Finbarr Barry Flood|title=Objects of Translation: Material Culture and Medieval "Hindu-Muslim" Encounter|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OLNE_li8C10C |year=2009|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=978-0-691-12594-7|page=218}}</ref> During the iconoclasm of Islamic invasions and Hindu–Muslim wars, the temples dedicated to Sun-god were among those desecrated, images smashed and the resident priests of Saura tradition were killed, states André Wink.<ref>{{cite book|author=André Wink|title=Al-Hind the Making of the Indo-Islamic World: The Slave Kings and the Islamic Conquest : 11th–13th Centuries|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=75FlxDhZWpwC |year=1997|publisher=BRILL Academic|isbn=90-04-10236-1|pages=327–329}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Finbarr Barry Flood|title=Objects of Translation: Material Culture and Medieval "Hindu–Muslim" Encounter|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OLNE_li8C10C |year=2009|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=978-0-691-12594-7|pages=123–124, 154–156}}</ref> The Surya tradition of Hinduism declined in the 12th and 13th century CE and today remains as a very small movement except in Bihar / Jharkhand and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. {{Citation needed|date=October 2016}} Sun worship has continued to be a dominant practice in Bihar / Jharkhand and Eastern Uttar Pradesh in the form of [[Chhath]] Puja which is considered the primary festival of importance in these regions.

===Ganapatism===
{{main|Ganapatya}}
Ganapatism is a Hindu denomination in which Lord [[Ganesha]] is worshipped as the main form of the [[Saguna Brahman]]. This sect was widespread and influential in the past and has remained important in [[Maharashtra]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2016}}

===Indonesian Hinduism===
{{main|Hinduism in Southeast Asia|Hinduism in Indonesia|Balinese Hinduism}}

Hinduism dominated the island of [[Java (island)|Java]] and [[Sumatra]] until the late 16th century, when a vast majority of the population converted to [[Islam]]. Only the [[Balinese people]] who formed a majority on the island of [[Bali]], retained this form of Hinduism over the centuries. Theologically, Balinese or Indonesian Hinduism is closer to Shaivism than to other major sects of Hinduism. The adherents consider [[Acintya]] the supreme god, and all other gods as his manifestations.

The term "[[Agama Hindu Dharma]]", the endonymous [[Indonesian language|Indonesian]] name for "Indonesian Hinduism" can also refer to the traditional practices in [[Kalimantan]], [[Sumatra]], [[Sulawesi]] and other places in Indonesia, where people have started to identify and accept their [[Āgama (Hinduism)|agama]]s as Hinduism or Hindu worship has been revived. The revival of Hinduism in Indonesia has given rise to a national organisation, the [[Parisada Hindu Dharma]].

===Shrautism===
{{main|Śrauta}}
Shrauta communities are very rare in India, the most well known being the ultra-orthodox [[Nambudiri]] Brahmins of [[Kerala]]. They follow the "Purva-Mimamsa" (earlier portion of Vedas) in contrast to Vedanta followed by other Brahmins. They place importance on the performance of Vedic Sacrifice ([[Yajna]]). The Nambudiri Brahmins are famous for their preservation of the ancient [[Soma (drink)|Soma]]yaagam, Agnicayana rituals which have vanished in other parts of India.{{Citation needed|date=October 2016}}

===Kaumaram===
{{main|Kaumaram}}
[[Kaumaram]] is a sect of Hindus, especially found in South India and Sri Lanka where Lord [[Muruga]] [[Karttikeya]] is the Supreme Godhead. Lord Muruga is considered superior to the Trimurti. The worshippers of Lord Muruga are called Kaumaras.{{Citation needed|date=October 2016}}

===Dattatreya Sampradaya===
{{main|Dattatreya|Dattatreya Upanishad}}
Dattatreya Sampradaya is a Hindu denomination associated with the worship of [[Dattatreya]] as the supreme god. This denomination found in Indian states like [[Maharashtra]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]], [[Goa]], [[Telangana]], [[Gujarat]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Rajasthan]] and [[Uttarakhand]]. Dattatreya is often considered as an avatara of three Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, collectively known as the [[Trimurti]].
Main traditions linked with Dattatreya Sampradaya are:
* Gurucharitra tradition - This tradition is named after the [[Marathi language|Marathi]] text [[Gurucharitra]] and it is based on the teachings of [[Narasimha Saraswati|Nrusinha Saraswati]] as well as [[Sripada Sri Vallabha|Shripada Shrivallabha]].<ref>Theory And Practice of Yoga: Essays in Honour of Gerald James Larson, Gerald James Larson, Knut A. Jacobsen (eds.),
Brill, 2005 pp. 238-242, https://books.google.co.in/books/about/Theory_And_Practice_of_Yoga.html?id=TDGFFNYvrokC&redir_esc=y</ref> This tradition is widespread in [[Deccan]] region.
* Avadhuta Tradition.

===Sant Mat===
{{main|Sant Mat}}
The Sant Mat was a group of reformer [[sant (religion)|poet-sants]] and their adherents within Hinduism during the 14th–17th centuries who had desire for [[religious pluralism]] and non-ritualistic spirituality.{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|p=383}} Due to [[Kabir]]'s affiliation with Vaishnavite [[Ramanandi Sampradaya]] and certain aspects of the creed, the Sant Mat is sometimes seen as part of Vaishnavism.{{sfn|Dandekar|1987}} Among its living traditions are:
* [[Dadu Dayal#Dadupanth|Dadupanth]]
* [[Kabir panth]]
* [[Ravidassia religion]]
* [[Sadh]]
* [[Udasi]]
* [[Nirmala (sect) |Nirmala]]

===Newer movements===
{{see also|Hindu reform movements|Neo-Vedanta|Hinduism in the West}}
The Hindu [[new religious movement]]s that arose in the 19th to 20th century include:{{sfn|Farquhar|1915}}
* [[American Meditation Institute]]
* [[Ananda movement|Ananda]] ([[Ananda Yoga]]){{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=33–34}}
* [[Swami Paramananda#In the West. Ananda Ashrama|Ananda Ashrama]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=29–30}}
* [[Ananda Marga]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=30–31}}
* [[Art of Living Foundation]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=45–46}}
* [[Arya Samaj]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=47–48}}
* [[Ayyavazhi]]
* [[Brahma Kumaris]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=89–91}}
* [[Brahmoism]] ([[Brahmo Samaj]]){{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=92–93}}
** [[Adi Dharm]]
** [[Sadharan Brahmo Samaj]]
* [[Chinmaya Mission]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=109–110}}
* [[Ganapathi Sachchidananda|Datta Yoga]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=121}}
* [[Divine Life Society]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=200–201}}
* [[Hanuman Foundation]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=178}}
* [[Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=183–184}}
* [[Hindutva]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=185–188}}
**[[Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha]]
**[[Hindu Janajagruti Samiti]]
***[[Sanatan Sanstha]]
**[[Hindu Munnani]]
**[[Hindu Sena]]
**[[Hindu Yuva Vahini]]
** [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (a.k.a. [[Sangh Parivar]]){{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=361–362}}
***[[Hindu Jagran Manch]]
*** [[Vishva Hindu Parishad]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=492–493}}
*[[International Vedanta Society]]
* [[Isha Foundation]]
*[[Hariharananda Giri|Kriya Yoga Centers]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=248–249}}
* [[Mahima Dharma]]
* [[Mata Amritanandamayi Math]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=26–27}}
* [[Matua Mahasangha]]
* [[Meivazhi]]
* [[Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP)|Narayana Dharma]]
* [[Nilachala Saraswata Sangha]]
* [[Kalki Bhagawan|Oneness Movement]]
* [[Prarthana Samaj]]
* [[Ramakrishna Mission]] / [[Ramakrishna Math]] (a.k.a. [[Vedanta Society]]){{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=483–484}}
* [[Sahaja Yoga]]
* [[Sathya Sai Baba movement]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=389–390}}
* [[Satsang (Deoghar)|Satsang]]
* [[Satya Dharma]]
* [[School of Philosophy and Economic Science]]
* [[Self-Realization Fellowship]] / [[Yogoda Satsanga Society of India|Yogoda Satsanga]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=392–394}}
* [[Shirdi Sai Baba movement]]
* [[Shri Ram Chandra Mission]]
* [[Shree Shree Anandamayee Sangha]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|p=31–33}}
* [[Siddha Yoga]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=108, 431}}
* [[Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|p=408}}
* [[Sri Aurobindo Ashram]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=52–54}}
* [[Sri Chinmoy]] Centres{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=110–11}}
* [[Sri Ramana Ashram]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=351}}
** [[Neo-Advaita]]
** [[Society of Abidance in Truth]]
* [[Swadhyay Parivar]]
* [[Transcendental Meditation movement|Transcendental Meditation]]{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=451–452}}
* [[Virat Hindustan Sangam]]
===Sarnaism===
{{main|Sarnaism}}
'''Sarna''' are sacred groves in the [[Indian religious]] traditions of the [[Chota Nagpur Plateau]] region in the states of [[Jharkhand]], [[Bihar]], [[Assam]] and [[Chhattisgarh]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Religious Complexity in Northeastern South Asia|url=https://www.geocurrents.info/cultural-geography/religion/religious-complexity-in-northeastern-south-asia|access-date=2021-10-21|website=GeoCurrents}}</ref> Followers of these rituals primarily belong to the [[Munda people|Munda]], [[Bhumij people|Bhumij]], [[Kharia people|Kharia]], [[Baiga tribe|Baiga]], [[Ho people|Ho]], [[Kurukh people|Kurukh]] and [[Santal people |Santal]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}} According to local belief, a [[Grāmadevatā|''Gram deoti'']] or village deity resides in the sarna, where sacrifice is offered twice a year. Their belief system is called "Sarnaism", "Sarna Dharma" or "Religion of the Holy Woods".<ref>{{harvnb|Minahan|2012}}</ref>
===Kiratism===
{{main|Kiratism}}
The practice is also known as ''Kirat Veda'',<ref>p. 56 ''Kiratese at a Glance'' By Gopal Man Tandukar</ref><ref>p. xxv ''A Grammar of Limbu'' By Geordefine sungge van Driem</ref> ''Kirat-Ko Veda''<ref>''Problems of Modern Indian Literature'' by Statistical Pub. Society: distributor, K. P. Bagchi</ref> or ''Kirat Ko Ved''.<ref>p. 323 ''Kiratas in Ancient India'' By G. P. Singh, Dhaneswar Kalita, V Sudarsen, M A Kalam</ref> According to some scholars, such as Tom Woodhatch, it is shamanism, animistic religion or blend of [[shamanism]], [[animism]] (e.g., [[ancestor worship]]ing of [[Yuma Sammang]]/[[Tagera Ningwaphumang]] and Paruhang/Sumnima),<ref>"History and Culture of the Kirat" by I.S.Chemjong</ref> and Shaivism.<ref name="p. 535 Nepal By Tom Woodhatch">p. 535 ''Nepal'' By Tom Woodhatch</ref>

==Related denominations==
===Kalash religion===
{{main|Kalash people}}
The Indo-Aryan [[Kalash people]] in Pakistan traditionally practice an indigenous religion which some authors characterise as a form of [[ancient Hinduism]].<ref>{{cite book |surname=Michael |given=Witzel |author-link=Michael Witzel |chapter=Kalash Religion (extract from 'The Ṛgvedic Religious System and its Central Asian and Hindukush Antecedents') |editor1=A. Griffiths |editor2=J. E. M. Houben |title=The Vedas: Texts, Language and Ritual |location=Groningen |publisher=Forsten |year=2004 |pages=581–636 |chapter-url=http://www.people.fas.harvard.edu/~witzel/KalashaReligion.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |surname=West |given=Barbara A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pCiNqFj3MQsC&pg=PA357 |title=Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Asia and Oceania |year=2010 |publisher=Infobase Publishing |isbn=9781438119137 |page=357 |quote=The Kalasha ... religion is a form of Hinduism that recognizes many gods and spirits and has been related to the religion of the Ancient Greeks, who mythology says are the ancestors of the contemporary Kalash... However, it is much more likely, given their Indo-Aryan language, that the religion of the Kalasha is much more closely aligned to the Hinduism of their Indian neighbors that to the religion of Alexander the Great and his armies.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/world/peshawar-hc-orders-government-to-include-kalash-religion-in-census-4599722/ |title=Peshawar HC orders government to include Kalash religion in census |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=April 4, 2017 |access-date=2017-07-12}}</ref>

===Contemporary Sant Mat ===
{{main|Contemporary Sant Mat movements}}
{{distinguish|Sant Mat}}
The contemporary Sant Mat is a 19th-century origin movement.{{sfn|Jones|Ryan|2007|pp=383–384}} Scholars are divided as to whether to call Radha Soami a 1) [[Sikhism|Sikh]]-derived or 2) Hindu–Sikh-synthesed or 3) independent version of the medieval [[Sant Mat]] as new universal religion.<ref name="Zoccarelli">{{cite encyclopedia |surname=Zoccarelli |given=Pierluigi |year=2006 |title=Radhasoami movements |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of New Religious Movements |editor-surname=Clarke |editor-given=Peter B. |editor-link=Peter B. Clarke |place=London; New York |publisher=Routledge |pages=507–509 |isbn=9-78-0-415-26707-6}}</ref>
* [[Advait Mat]]
* [[Radha Soami]]
** [[Radha Soami Satsang Beas]]
** [[Radha Soami Satsang Sabha|Radha Soami Satsang Dayalbagh]]
** [[Radha Swami Satsang, Dinod|Radha Swami Satsang Dinod]]
** [[Kirpal Singh#Ruhani Satsang|Ruhani Satsang]]
* [[Radha Soami]]-influenced<ref name="Zoccarelli" />
** [[Ancient Teachings of the Masters]]
** [[Dera Sacha Sauda]]
** [[Eckankar]]
** [[Elan Vital (organization)|Elan Vital]], formerly [[Divine Light Mission]]
** [[Manavta Mandir]]
** [[Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness]]
** [[Science of Spirituality]]
*** [[Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission]]

===Slavic Vedism ===
{{main|Peterburgian Vedism}}
Slavic, Russian, Peterburgian Vedism or simply Vedism<ref>Michael F. Strmiska. ''[[Modern Paganism in World Cultures]]''. ABC-CLIO, 2005. p. 222: "In addition to Ukrainian Paganism, Russian and Pan-Slavic varieties of Paganism and "Slavic Vedism" can also be found in Ukraine."</ref><ref name="religionip.ru">Portal "Religion and Law". [http://religionip.ru/news/monastyr-sobranie-tayn-ili-divya-loka-vtoroe-prishestvie-induizma-v-rossii Монастырь «Собрание тайн» или «Дивья лока»: второе пришествие индуизма в России?] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602224155/http://religionip.ru/news/monastyr-sobranie-tayn-ili-divya-loka-vtoroe-prishestvie-induizma-v-rossii |date=2 June 2013}}. 2013-04-30</ref> are terms used to describe the one of the earliest branch of [[Slavic Native Faith]] ("Rodnovery")—contemporary indigenous development of [[Vedism|Vedic]] forms of religion in [[Russia]], especially of [[Saint Petersburg]]'s communities, other [[Slavic countries]], and generally all the [[post-Soviet states]]. The word "Vedism" comes from the verb "to know" (''vedatʼ'')—a semantic root which is shared in [[Slavic languages|Slavic]] and [[Sanskrit]] languages alike.<ref>{{cite book |surname=Aitamurto |given=Kaarina |year=2016 |title=Paganism, Traditionalism, Nationalism: Narratives of Russian Rodnoverie |page=35 |publisher=Routledge |location=London and New York |isbn=9781472460271}}</ref>

Slavic Vedism involves the worship of Vedic gods, characterised by its use of indigenous Slavic rituals and Slavic names for the deities, distinguishing from other groups which have maintained a stronger bond with modern Hinduism, although [[Krishnaism|Krishnaite]] groups often identify themselves as "Vedic" too. Also some syncretic groups within Slavic Native Faith (Slavic Neopaganism) use the term "Vedism".<ref>Robert A. Saunders, Vlad Strukov. ''Historical Dictionary of the Russian Federation''. The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, 2010. p. 412.</ref><ref name="Aitamurto2007">Aitamurto, Kaarina. ''[http://www.cesnur.org/2007/bord_aitamurto.htm Russian Rodnoverie: Negotiating Individual Traditionalism]''. Aleksanteri Institute, University of Helsinki, 2007.</ref>

==Cross-denominational influences==
===Atman Jnana===
{{Main|Jnana|Moksha}}

Jñāna is a Sanskrit word that means ''knowledge''. In [[Hinduism|Vedas]] it means true knowledge, that ([[Atman (Hinduism)|atman]]) is identical with [[Brahman]]. It is also referred to as '''[[Atman (Hinduism)|Atma]] Jnana''' which is frequently translated as ''[[self-realization]]''.

===Bhakti movement===
{{main|Bhakti movement}}

The Bhakti movement was a [[theism|theistic]] devotional trend that originated in the seventh-century [[Dravidian peoples|Tamil]] south India (now parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala), and spread northwards.<ref name=schomer>Schomer and McLeod (1987), The Sants: Studies in a Devotional Tradition of India, Motilal Banarsidass, {{ISBN|978-8120802773}}, pp. 1–2.</ref> It swept over east and north India from the fifteenth-century onwards, reaching its zenith between the 15th and 17th century CE.<ref name=schomer/><ref name="lorenzen">{{cite book |surname=Lorenzen |given=David N. |author-link=David N. Lorenzen |year=1995 |title=Bhakti Religion in North India: Community Identity and Political Action |place=Albany, NY |publisher=SUNY Press |url={{Google books|rpSxJg_ehnIC|page=|keywords=|text=|plainurl=yes}}
|isbn=978-0-7914-2025-6}}</ref> The Bhakti movement regionally developed as Hindu denominations around different gods and goddesses, such as [[Vaishnavism]] (Vishnu), [[Shaivism]] (Shiva), [[Shaktism]] (Shakti goddesses), and [[Smartism]].<ref name="lancenelson"/><ref name="sskumar"/><ref>Wendy Doniger (2009), [https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/63933/bhakti Bhakti], Encyclopædia Britannica; [http://www.himalayanacademy.com/readlearn/basics/four-sects The Four Denomination of Hinduism] Himalayan Academy (2013)</ref> The movement was inspired by many poet-saints, who championed a wide range of philosophical positions ranging from [[theistic dualism]] of [[Dvaita]] to absolute [[monism]] of [[Advaita]] Vedanta.<ref name=schomer/><ref>Christian Novetzke (2007), [https://www.jstor.org/stable/25691067 Bhakti and Its Public], International Journal of Hindu Studies, Vol. 11, No. 3, page 255–272</ref> Scriptures of the Bhakti movement include the [[Bhagavad Gita]], [[Bhagavata Purana]] and [[Padma Purana]].<ref>Catherine Robinson (2005), Interpretations of the Bhagavad-Gita and Images of the Hindu Tradition, Routledge, {{ISBN|978-0415346719}}, pages 28–30</ref><ref name=karen26>Karen Pechilis Prentiss (2014), The Embodiment of Bhakti, Oxford University Press, {{ISBN|978-0195351903}}, pages 26–32, 217–218</ref>

As part of the legacy of the Alvars, five [[Vaishnava]] philosophical traditions (sampradayas) has developed at the later stages.<ref name=Mittal2004>{{cite book | author = Mittal, S. G. R. Thursby | year = 2006 | title = Religions of South Asia: An Introduction | publisher = Routledge }}</ref>

===Philosophical schools===
{{Main|Hindu philosophy}}
{{Hindu philosophy}}
Hindu philosophy is traditionally divided into six [[Āstika and nāstika|''{{IAST|āstika}}'']] ({{lang-sa|आस्तिक}} "orthodox") schools of thought,<ref>For an overview of the six orthodox schools, with detail on the grouping of schools, see:{{harv|Mādhava Āchārya|1882}}{{harv|Dasgupta|1922–1955|loc=Vol. 1}}{{harv|Radhakrishnan|1927}}</ref> or ''{{IAST|darśanam}}'' (दर्शनम्, "view"), which accept the [[Vedas]] as the supreme revealed scriptures. The schools are:
#[[Samkhya]], a [[Nontheism|non theistic]] and strongly dualist theoretical exposition of [[Purusha|consciousness]] and [[Prakṛti|matter]].
#[[Yoga (philosophy)|Yoga]], a school emphasizing [[Dhyana in Hinduism|meditation]], [[Samadhi|contemplation]] and [[Kaivalya|liberation]].
#[[Nyaya]] or [[Indian logic|logic]], explores [[Pramāṇa|sources of knowledge]]. ''[[Nyāya Sūtras]]''.
#[[Vaisheshika]], an [[empiricist]] school of [[atomism]]
#[[Mimāṃsā]], an anti-ascetic and anti-mysticist school of [[orthopraxy]]
#[[Vedanta]], the last segment of knowledge in the Vedas, or the 'Jnan' (knowledge) 'Kanda' (section).

The [[nāstika]]/heterodox schools are (in chronological order):
#[[Cārvāka]]
#[[Jainism]]
#[[Ājīvika]]
#[[Buddhism]]
#[[Ajñana]]

However, [[Medieval philosophy|medieval philosophers]] like [[Vidyaranya|Vidyāraṇya]] classified [[Indian philosophy]] into sixteen schools, where schools belonging to [[Saiva]], [[Pāṇini]] and [[Rasesvara|Raseśvara]] thought are included with others, and the three [[Vedantic]] schools [[Advaita]], [[Vishishtadvaita]] and [[Dvaita]] (which had emerged as distinct schools by then) are classified separately.{{sfn|Mādhava Āchārya|1882|p=xii}}

In [[History of Hinduism|Hindu history]], the distinction of the six orthodox schools was current in the [[Gupta period]] "golden age" of Hinduism. With the disappearance of Vaisheshika and Mimamsa, it was obsolete by the later Middle Ages and modern times, when the various sub-schools of Vedanta began to rise to prominence as the main divisions of religious philosophy, as follows:{{sfn|Dasgupta|1922–1955}}{{sfn|Radhakrishnan|1927}}
*[[Advaita Vedanta]]
*[[Akshar-Purushottam Darshan]]
*[[Bhedabheda]]
**[[Achintya Bheda Abheda]]
**[[Dvaitadvaita]]
*[[Dvaita Vedanta]]
*[[Integral yoga]]
*[[Pratyabhijna]]
*[[Shaiva Siddhanta]]
*[[Shiva Advaita]]
*[[Shuddhadvaita]]
*[[Vishishtadvaita]]

Nyaya survived into the 17th century as ''Navya Nyaya'' "Neo-Nyaya", while Samkhya gradually lost its status as an independent school, its tenets absorbed into Yoga and Vedanta.

===Yoga varieties===
{{Main|Yoga}}

*[[Ananda Yoga]]
*[[Bhakti yoga]]
*[[Hatha yoga]]
**[[Bihar School of Yoga]]
*[[Integral Yoga (Satchidananda)|Integral Yoga]]
*[[Jivamukti Yoga]]
*[[Jnana yoga]]
*[[Karma yoga]]
*[[Kripalu Yoga]]
*[[Kriya Yoga]]
*[[Kundalini yoga]]
*[[Raja yoga]]
*[[Sahaja Yoga]]
*[[Siddha Yoga]]
*[[Sivananda yoga]]
*[[Surat Shabd Yoga]]
*[[Tantric Yoga]]{{sfn|Lamb|2008|p=}}{{sfn|Singleton|Goldberg|2014}}

==See also==
{{Commons category}}
{{col div|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Donyi-Polo|Donyipoloism]]
* [[Kirant Mundhum|Kiratism]]
* [[Sarna]]
* [[Sanamahism]]
* [[Shanmata]]
* [[Hindu philosophy]]
* [[Folk Hinduism]]
* [[List of Hindu organisations]]
{{colend}}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

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==External links==
* {{cite encyclopedia |title=Brill's Encyclopedia of Hinduism Online |url=https://referenceworks.brillonline.com/browse/brill-s-encyclopedia-of-hinduism}}
* [http://www.himalayanacademy.com/readlearn/basics/four-sects Overview of the four divisions of Hinduism]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080615194002/http://hinduism.iskcon.com/tradition/1200.htm Description of four denominations]

{{Hindudharma}}
{{Hindu reform movements}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hindu Denominations}}
[[Category:Hindu denominations| ]]
[[Category:Religious denominations]]

Bharatpedia - User contributions [en]

Hindu denominations