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What does it mean to worship multiple deities equally in Smarta Tradition?
In the Smarta Tradition, the worship of multiple deities equally refers to the belief in the existence of multiple divine beings and the practice of giving equal reverence and devotion to each of them. This tradition is rooted in the Hindu philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, which emphasizes the idea of a single, ultimate reality known as Brahman, manifesting itself in various forms and deities.
In this tradition, each deity is seen as a manifestation of Brahman, and therefore, all deities are considered equally divine and worthy of worship. Unlike other Hindu traditions that may focus on one specific deity, Smarta Tradition encourages the worship of all deities as a means to connect with the ultimate reality.
One of the key principles of Smarta Tradition is the concept of Ishta Devata, which means the chosen deity. This refers to the personal deity that an individual connects with the most and chooses to worship. However, this does not mean that other deities are disregarded or considered less important. In fact, it is believed that all deities are interconnected and worshiping one leads to the worship of all.
The practice of worshiping multiple deities equally is also reflected in the daily rituals and ceremonies performed by followers of Smarta Tradition. These rituals involve offering prayers, flowers, and other offerings to various deities, seeking their blessings and guidance. The ultimate goal of these rituals is to attain spiritual growth and union with Brahman.
Furthermore, the Smarta Tradition also promotes the idea of inclusivity and tolerance towards other religions and beliefs. This is because, in this tradition, all deities are seen as different expressions of the same divine reality, and therefore, there is no room for discrimination or superiority of one deity over another.
In conclusion, the worship of multiple deities equally in Smarta Tradition is a fundamental aspect of this Hindu philosophy. It reflects the belief in the interconnectedness of all deities and the ultimate goal of attaining spiritual growth and union with Brahman. This tradition also promotes inclusivity and tolerance towards all religions and beliefs, making it a truly unique and all-encompassing way of worship.