Smartism’s trademark is its embrace of a “cast-a-wide-net” approach: five principal deities are honored side by side, each seen as a valid doorway to the one non-dual Reality. This Panchayatana puja (five-shrine worship) typically includes:

• Shiva – the archetypal renouncer and cosmic dancer, symbolizing the power of transformation.
• Vishnu – the preserver, whose avatars like Krishna and Rama remind devotees of divine intervention in human affairs.
• Devi – the Great Goddess in her myriad forms (Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati), embodying energy, prosperity and wisdom.
• Surya – the sun deity, a living symbol of the soul’s radiant essence.
• Ganesha – the elephant-headed remover of obstacles, often invoked at the start of any ritual.

Sometimes Skanda (Kartikeya) steps in for Surya, especially in South Indian shrines where his youthful valor shines. Regional temples might also include local or clan deities, reflecting Smartism’s famously inclusive spirit.

This lineup was popularized by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, not as a rigid hierarchy but as a practical toolkit: each image serves as a mirror, helping seekers glimpse the formless Brahman behind all forms. It’s not about choosing one favorite—Smartists believe every face of the divine ultimately points to the same truth.

As contemporary spiritual seekers look for unity in divided times, Smartism’s palette of deities feels remarkably timely. Whether at a family altar in Mumbai or a modern meditation center in Silicon Valley, these five pillars form a living bridge between ancient insight and today’s quest for harmony.