Smartist ceremonies tend to feel like a welcoming round-robin of the divine, keeping things flexible and inward-focused. At the heart lies the Panchayatana puja—five deities (Śiva, Viṣṇu, Śakti, Gaṇeśa and Sūrya) arrayed on a single altar. A practitioner might begin the day with a brief homa (fire ritual), sandalwood-paste abhiṣeka on chosen murtis, mantras drawn from the Upaniṣads, and a silent sit-down in meditation. It’s less about grand processions and more about turning the gaze inward toward the one Brahman wearing many masks.

By contrast, Vaishnavism zeroes in on Vishnu and his avatars. Temple life often revolves around elaborate arati ceremonies, bhajan sessions echoing with kirtans, and strict observance of Ekādaśī fasts. In many ISKCON or Sri Vaishnava gatherings, the mood swings from exuberant sankirtan to the hush of Vedic recitation—every ritual hitting its mark like clockwork. The emphasis stays firmly on loving devotion (bhakti) to Krishna or Rama, and the theology is unmistakably dualistic: the soul and Supreme remain distinct lovers in an eternal dance.

Shaivism, on the other hand, brings its own flair. Rudrabhishekam (pouring sacred waters and oils over the liṅga) often takes center stage. Mantra repetition—“Oṃ Namaḥ Śivāya”—can be a lifelong meditation project. Festivals like Mahāśivaratri turn Shiva temples into nocturnal hubs of drumbeats, incense and all-night vigil. Many Shaiva sects lean into ascetic practices, honoring the god of yoga with the same intensity as a marathon runner chasing the finish line.

Smartism sits somewhere in between: less regimented than the Vaishnava calendar, less ascetic than hardcore Shaiva paths. It’s built on Advaita philosophy, so rituals become signposts pointing beyond form. In today’s global Hindu diaspora—Chinmaya Mission study circles or home-shrine pujas—Smartism’s “pick-and-mix” approach often resonates with people juggling modern careers, family life and a thirst for timeless wisdom. The result is a ritual life that’s as eclectic as life itself—everyday spirituality tailor-made rather than one-size-fits-all.