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Hindu denominations are traditions within Hinduism centered on one or more gods or
goddesses, such as Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.[1] Sometimes the term is used for
sampradayas led by a particular guru with a particular philosophy.[2]

Hinduism has no central doctrinal authority and many practising Hindus do not claim
to belong to any particular denomination or tradition.[3] Four major traditions
are, however, used in scholarly studies: Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism and
Smartism.[1][4][5] These are sometimes referred to as the denominations of
Hinduism, and they differ in the primary deity at the centre of the tradition.[6] 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 henotheistic equivalent.[7]
The denominations of Hinduism, states 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".[8]

Although Hinduism contains many denominations and philosophies, it is linked by

shared concepts, recognisable rituals, cosmology, shared textual resources,
pilgrimage to sacred sites and the questioning of authority.[9]

Contents
1 Typology
1.1 Six generic types (McDaniel)
1.2 Sampradaya
2 Main denominations
2.1 Vaishnavism
2.2 Shaivism
2.3 Shaktism
2.4 Smartism
2.5 Overlap
3 Other denominations
3.1 Shrautism
3.2 Suryaism / Saurism
3.3 Ganapatism
3.4 Kaumaram
3.5 Indonesian Hinduism
3.6 Newer movements
3.7 Slavic Vedism or Neo-Vedism
4 Cross-denominational influences
4.1 Atman Jnana
4.2 Bhakti movement
4.3 Schools of Indian philosophy
5 See also
6 Notes
7 References
8 Sources
9 External links
Typology
Hindus subscribe to a diversity of ideas on 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
polytheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist.
[10][11][12]

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, are currently the most prominent.[13] Classified by primary deity or
deities, four major Hinduism modern currents are Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaivism
(Shiva), Shaktism (Devi) and Smartism (five deities treated as same).[5][14] These
deity-centered denominations feature a synthesis of various 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 (Upanishads,
Puranas, Mahabharata, Agamas), ritual grammar and rites of passage.[9][15]

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:[16]

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 brahmins (Shrautins).
Vedantic Hinduism, including Advaita Vedanta (Smartism), based on the philosophical
approach of the Upanishads.
Yogic Hinduism, especially the sect based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
"Dharmic" Hinduism or "daily morality", based on Karma and upon societal norms such
as Vivaha (Hindu marriage customs).
Bhakti or devotionalist practices
Sampradaya
Main article: Sampradaya
In Hinduism, a sampradaya (IAST sampradaya)[note 1] is a denomination.[18] 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.[19] A particular guru lineage is called
parampara. By receiving diksha (initiation) into the parampara of a living guru,
one belongs to its proper sampradaya.

Main denominations
Vaishnavism

Vaishnavism focuses on an avatar of Vishnu, such as Krishna above

Main article: Vaishnavism
Vaishnavism is a devotional sect of Hinduism, which worships the god Vishnu as the
Supreme Lord (Svayam Bhagavan). As well as Vishnu himself, followers of the sect
also worship Vishnu's ten incarnations (the Dashavatara). The two most-worshipped
incarnations of Vishnu are Krishna 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.[20]
Vaishnavites are deeply devotional. Their religion is rich in saints, temples and
scriptures.[21]

The Vaishnava sampradayas include:[22]

Srivaishnavism (Sri-Vaishnava Sampradaya)/Srivaishnava/Sri

Sampradaya/Iyengar/Vishistadvaita is associated with Lakshmi. The principal
acharyas are Ramanujacharya and Vedanta Desikan. Sri subsampradayas:
Thenkalais. Manavala Mamunigal's sect is the oldest Vaishnava sect in India. This
sampraday 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.
Vadakalais
Munitraya
Dvaita or Madhva Sampradaya, founded by Madhvacharya.
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.[23][24][25]
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
tradition.
Gaudiya Vaishnavism is associated with Brahma Sampradaya, and is associated with
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu(Gaurangacharya). The International Society for Krishna
Consciousness belongs to this sampradaya.
Kumara Sampradaya is the tradition associated with Four Kumaras. The principal
acharya is Nimbarka, hence Nimbarka Sampradaya.
Nimbarka Sampradaya (Dvaitadvaita)
Rudra Sampradaya. The principal acharya is Vallabhacharya, the founder of
Pushtimarg.
Swaminarayan Sampraday or Swaminarayanism, based on the teachings of Swaminarayan:
BAPS
ISSM
ISSO
NNDYM.
Other Vaishnava schools and the principal teachers connected with them are:
[citation needed]

Balmiki sect.
Kapadi.
Thenacharya Sampradaya.
Pancharatra.
Vaikhanasa Sampradaya. The principal acharya is Vaikhanasa.
Ekasaranism or Asomiya Vaishnavism, adheres to the teachings of Srimanta
Sankaradeva.
Krishna Pranami Sampradaya, adheres to the teachings of Devachandra Maharaj.
Mahanama Sampradaya, adheres to the teachings of Prabhu Jagadbandu who is
considered to be the incarnation of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu the founder of
Gaudiya Vaishnavism is considered to be an incarnation of Vishnu.
Mahanubhava.
Radha-vallabha.
Varkari Sampradaya, teaching of bhakti saints of Maharashtra.
Vaishnava-Sahajiya and Baul, the tantric traditions.
Shaivism
Main article: Shaivism

Shaivism focuses on Shiva.

Shaivas or Shaivites are those who primarily worship Shiva as the supreme god, both
immanent and transcendent. Shaivism embraces at the same time monism (specifically
nondualism) and 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 adherents of other Hindu sects, and may be found wandering India
with ashen faces performing self-purification rituals.[20] They worship in the
temple and practice yoga, striving to be one with Siva within.[21]

The major schools of Saivism include:[26]

Saiva Siddhanta, adheres to the teachings of Tirumular/Sundaranatha (Nandinatha

Sampradaya, the monistic school) or of Meykandadeva (Meykandar Sampradaya, the
dualistic school).
Adinath Sampradaya or Siddha Siddhanta, adheres to the teachings of Gorakhnath and
Matsyendranath.
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.
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 Vedas and the caste system.[27][28]
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.
Indonesian Shaivism.
Shaktism
Main article: Shaktism

Shaktism is a Goddess-centric tradtion 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 power that underlies the male principle, and 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.[20]

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.[29][30] The main traditions:[26]

Kalikula.
Srikula.
The Goddess-centric tradtions within Kashmir Shaivism are:
Trika.
Kubjikamata.
Smartism

Aum
Main article: Smarta tradition
Smartas treat all deities as 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, Devi (Shakti), Vishnu,
Surya.[20]

The Smarta Tradition accepts two concepts of Brahman, which are the saguna brahman
� the Brahman with attributes, and nirguna brahman � the Brahman without
attributes.[31] The nirguna Brahman is the unchanging Reality, however, the saguna
Brahman is posited as a means to realizing this nirguna Brahman.[32] 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.[32] A Smarta may choose any saguna deity
(istadevata) such as Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, 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.[33]

The movement is credited to Shankara (~8th century CE), who is regarded as the
greatest teacher[34][35] and reformer of the Smartha.[36][35] According to
Hiltebeitel, Shankara established the nondualist interpretation of the Upanishads
as the touchstone of a revived smarta tradition.[37] The Sringeri Sharada monastery
founded by Adi Shankara Acharya in Karnataka is still the centre of the Smarta
sect.[34][35]

Overlap
Halbfass states that, although traditions such as Shaivism and Vaishnavism may be
regarded as "self-contained religious constellations",[38] there is a degree of
interaction and reference between the "theoreticians and literary
representatives"[38] 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".[38] 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.[8]

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

Comparison of four major traditions of Hinduism

Shaiva Traditions Vaishnava Traditions Shakta Traditions Smarta Traditions
References
Scriptural authority Vedas, Upanishads and Agamas Vedas, Upanishads and Agamas
Vedas and Upanishads Vedas and Upanishads [39][40]
Supreme deity god Shiva god Vishnu goddess Devi None [41][42]
Creator Shiva Vishnu Devi Brahman principle [41][43]
Avatar Minor Key concept Significant Minor [39][44][45]
Monastic life Recommends Accepts Accepts Recommends [39][46][47]
Rituals, Bhakti Affirms[48][49][50] Affirms Affirms Optional[51]
 [52]
Ahimsa and Vegetarianism Recommends,[48] Optional Affirms Optional
Recommends, Optional [53][54]
Free will, Maya, Karma Affirms Affirms Affirms Affirms [41]
Metaphysics Brahman (Shiva), Atman (Soul, Self) Brahman (Vishnu), Atman Brahman
(Devi), Atman Brahman, Atman [41]
Epistemology
(Pramana) 1. Perception
2. Inference
3. Reliable testimony
4. Self-evident[55] 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 [56][57][58]
Philosophy Dvaita, qualified advaita, advaita Dvaita, qualified advaita, advaita
Shakti-advaita Advaita [59][60]
Salvation
(Soteriology) Jivanmukta,
Charya-Kriya-Yoga-Jnana[61] Videhamukti, Yoga,
champions householder life Bhakti, Tantra, Yoga Jivanmukta, Advaita, Yoga,
champions monastic life [62][63]
Other denominations
Shrautism
Main article: Shrauta
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 Somayaagam, Agnicayana rituals
which have vanished in other parts of India.[citation needed]

Suryaism / Saurism
Main article: 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.
[64][65] The Konark Sun Temple was built in mid 13th century.[66] 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 Andr� Wink.[67][68] The Surya tradition of
Hinduism declined in the 12th and 13th century CE and today remains as a very small
movement.[citation needed]

Ganapatism
Main article: 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]

Kaumaram
Main article: 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]

Indonesian Hinduism
Main articles: Hinduism in Southeast Asia, Hinduism in Indonesia, and Balinese
Hinduism
Hinduism dominated the island of 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 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 agamas 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.

Newer movements
Main articles: Hindu reform movements and Neo-Vedanta
See also: Hinduism in the West, Bengal Renaissance, and Contemporary Sant Mat
movements
The new movements that arose in the 19th to 20th century include:[69]

Adi Dharm / Brahmoism

Brahmo Samaj
Sadharan Brahmo Samaj
Ananda Marga
Arya Samaj
Ayyavazhi
Brahma Kumaris
Chinmaya Mission
Divine Life Society
Hanuman Foundation
Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy
Hindutva
Isha Foundation
Matua Mahasangha
Prarthana Samaj
Ramakrishna Mission / Ramakrishna Math
Sahaja Yoga
Sathya Sai Organization
Self-Realization Fellowship / Yogoda Satsanga
Shri Ram Chandra Mission
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
Swadhyay Parivar
Transcendental Meditation
Slavic Vedism or Neo-Vedism
Slavic Vedism, Slavic Hinduism, or Neo-Vedism or simply Vedism[70][71] are terms
used to describe the contemporary indigenous development of Vedic forms of religion
in Russia, Siberia, other Slavic countries, the Commonwealth of Independent States'
members and generally all the post-Soviet states.

Slavic Vedism involves the use of Vedic rituals and worship of ancient Vedic
deities, distinguishing from other groups which have maintained a stronger bond
with modern Indian Hinduism, although Krishnaite groups often identify themselves
as "Vedic" too. Also some syncretic groups within Rodnovery (Slavic Neopaganism)
use the term "Vedism"[72][73] and worship Vedic gods, but mainstream Rodnovery is
characterised by its use of indigenous Slavic rituals and Slavic names for the
gods.

Cross-denominational influences
Atman Jnana
Main articles: Jnana and Moksha
J�ana is a Sanskrit word that means knowledge. In Vedas it means true knowledge,
that (atman) is identical with Brahman. It is also referred to as Atma Jnana which
is frequently translated as self-realization.

Bhakti movement
Main article: Bhakti movement
The Bhakti movement was a theistic devotional trend that originated in the seventh-
century Tamil south India (now parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala), and spread
northwards.[74] It swept over east and north India from the fifteenth-century
onwards, reaching its zenith between the 15th and 17th century CE.[74] The Bhakti
movement regionally developed as Hindu denominations around different gods and
goddesses, such as Vaishnavism (Vishnu), Shaivism (Shiva), Shaktism (Shakti
goddesses), and Smartism.[1][6][75] 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.[74][76] Scriptures of the
Bhakti movement include the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavata Purana and Padma Purana.[77]
[78]

As part of the legacy of the Alvars, five Vaishnava philosophical traditions

(sampradayas) has developed at the later stages.[79]

Schools of Indian philosophy

Main article: Hindu philosophy
Hindu philosophy is traditionally divided into six astika (Sanskrit: ??????
"orthodox") schools of thought,[80] or darsanam (???????, "view"), which accept the
Vedas as the supreme revealed scriptures. The schools are:

Samkhya, an atheistic and strongly dualist theoretical exposition of consciousness

and matter.
Yoga, a school emphasizing meditation, contemplation and liberation.
Nyaya or logic, explores sources of knowledge. Nyaya Sutras.
Vaisheshika, an empiricist school of atomism
Mima?sa, 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 nastika schools are (in chronological order):

Carvaka
Jainism
Ajivika
Buddhism
However, medieval philosophers like Vidyara?ya classified Indian philosophy into
sixteen schools, where schools belonging to Saiva, Pa?ini and Rasesvara 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.
[81]

In 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, when the various sub-schools of
Vedanta (Dvaita "dualism", Advaita Vedanta "non-dualism" and others) began to rise
to prominence as the main divisions of religious philosophy. 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.

See also
Ayyavazhi
Sanamahism
Donyipoloism
Sarna/Sari Dhorom/Kherwalism
Kiratism/Yumaism
Ananda Marga
List of Hindu organisations
Notes
Quoted in B�htlingk's Sanskrit-Sanskrit dictionary, entry Sampradaya.[17]
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