The spectrum of Hindu religiousness is found within four major sects or denominations: saivism, sâktism, Vaishnavism and Smârtism. Among these four streams, there are certainly more similarities than differences. All four believe in karma and reincarnation and in a Supreme Being who is both form and pervades form, who creates, sustains and destroys the universe only to create it again in unending cycles. They strongly declare the validity and importance of temple worship, in the three worlds of existence and the myriad Gods and devas residing in them. They concur that there is no intrinsic evil, that the cosmos is created out of God and is permeated by Him. They each believe in mâyâ (though their definitions differ somewhat), and in the liberation of the soul from rebirth, called moksha, as the goal of human existence. They believe in dharma and in ashima, non injury, and in the need for a satguru to lead the soul toward Self Realization. They wear the sacred marks, tilaka, on their foreheads as sacred symbols, though each wears a distinct mark. Finally, they prefer cremation of the body upon death, believing that the soul will inhabit another body in the next life. While Hinduism has many sacred scriptures, all sects ascribe the highest authority to the Vedas and Ågamas, though their Ågamas differ somewhat. Here, now, is a brief comparison of these four denominations.
On the Personal God/Goddess
Saivism: Personal God and temple Deity is Siva, neither male nor female. Lords Ganesha and Kârttikeya are also worshiped.
Sâktism: Personal Goddess and temple Deity is Srî Devî or Sakti, female, worshiped as Râjarâjesvarî, Pârvatî, Lakshmî, Sarasvatî, Kâlî, Amman, etc. —the Divine Mother.
Vaishnavism: Personal God and temple Deity is Vishnu, male. His incarnations as Râma and Krishna are also worshiped, as well as His divine consort, Râdhâ Rânî.
Smârtism: Personal God and temple Deity is Isvara, male or female, worshiped as Vishnu, Siva, Sakti, Ganesya and Sûrya or any Deity of devotee’s choice, e.g., Kumâra or Krishna.