About Getting Back Home
Is Smarta Tradition open to incorporating new deities into its worship?
The Smarta Tradition is a Hindu denomination that follows the principles of Advaita Vedanta, which emphasizes the oneness of all existence and the worship of multiple deities equally. This tradition recognizes the diversity of deities and allows for the worship of different forms of the divine. However, the question arises, is the Smarta Tradition open to incorporating new deities into its worship?
The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. The Smarta Tradition is open to incorporating new deities into its worship, but it is not a common practice. This is because the Smarta Tradition places great importance on the ancient Vedic texts and the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya, the founder of Advaita Vedanta. These texts and teachings form the basis of the Smarta Tradition's beliefs and practices, and any new deity must align with these principles.
In the Smarta Tradition, the worship of deities is not limited to the traditional Hindu pantheon. It also includes the worship of ancestors, nature, and personal deities chosen by individuals. This openness to diverse forms of worship can be seen as a reflection of the Smarta Tradition's belief in the oneness of all existence. Therefore, in theory, new deities could be incorporated into the worship as long as they align with the core principles of the tradition.
However, in practice, the process of incorporating new deities into the Smarta Tradition can be complex. It requires the approval of the community and the guidance of a learned guru. The new deity must also be recognized as a legitimate form of the divine by the Vedic texts and other scriptures. This is to ensure that the new deity does not contradict or challenge the core beliefs of the Smarta Tradition.
Moreover, the Smarta Tradition values continuity and tradition, and therefore, the incorporation of new deities is not a frequent occurrence. The worship of established deities, such as Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi, has been a central part of the Smarta Tradition for centuries. These deities have been deeply integrated into the daily practices and rituals of the tradition, making it challenging for new deities to gain prominence.
In conclusion, the Smarta Tradition is open to incorporating new deities into its worship, but it is not a common practice. The process requires careful consideration and must align with the core beliefs and principles of the tradition. While the Smarta Tradition values diversity and inclusivity in worship, it also places great importance on continuity and tradition. Therefore, the incorporation of new deities is not a decision that is taken lightly.