Hinduism encompasses many movements and schools fairly organized within Hindu sects. A sect is a denomination that shares a common ground of beliefs but embraces many different schools inside its philosophical branches.

The presence of different schools and sects within Hinduism should not be viewed as a schism. On the contrary, there is no animosity between the schools. Instead there is a healthy cross-pollination of ideas and logical debate that serves to refine each school's understanding of Hinduism. It is not uncommon, or disallowed, for an individual to follow one school but take the point of view of another school for a certain issue. Hinduism, as most other major religions, has many sects. The most important are listed below.

Vaishnavism

Vaishnava worship Vishnu and his avatars (especially Rama and Krishna) as the supreme deity. This is the largest Hindu denomination.

Vaishnava groups

• Madhavas - followers of Madhavacharya
• Shree Vaishnavas, followers of Ramanujacharya
• Rudra Vaishnavas, followers of Vallabhacharya
• Nimbarka Vaishnavas
• Gaudiya Vaishnavism, followers of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Groups which are Vaishnava, but are not mainstream Vaishnava include:

• International Society for Krishna Consciousness
• Swaminarayan

Saivism

Saivites are those who primarily worship God Shiva as Supreme God, both Immanent and Transcendent.

Saivism is the oldest sect of Hinduism, embracing at the same time Monism and Dualism. It focuses on yoga, meditation and love for all beings.

To Saivites God Shiva is both with and without form; He is the Supreme Dancer, Nataraja; He is the linga, without beginning or end.

• Siddha Yoga
• Lingayats in Karnataka

Shaktism

Shaktas worship Shakti, the divine Mother, in any one, or many of her forms (Kali, Durga, etc.).

Smartism

Smartas has free rein to choose whichever Hindu deity they wish to worship. It is a liberal and ecclectic sect.

Balinese Hinduism

The newest and least numerous denomination are comprised of Balinese Hindus, who make up a sect of Hinduism which once flourished on the nearby island of Java. The formal name of their sect is the Agama Hindu Dharma.

External link

The Original || Shree Swaminarayan Sampraday ||

Four sects