Hindu
Smarta tradition (mainstream)
5/40· LowConfidence: High
Mainstream Hindu tradition synthesising worship of five deities (Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, Surya, Ganesha) under Advaita Vedanta theology. Adi Shankara lineage.
CLCI radar
Low Control / Mainstream
BITE breakdown
Behavior Control1/10
Information Control1/10
Thought Control1/10
Emotional Control1/10
Modifiers (+1)
+1 minor; net very low.
Founded
8th c.
Members
Hundreds of millions broadly
Active in
Asia
In context
Smarta tradition follows Adi Shankara's 8th-century pancayatana puja synthesis. Substantial monastic Sankara mathas (Sringeri, Dwarka, Puri, Jyotirmath). Mainstream low-control voluntary tradition.
Timeline
- 8th c.Adi Shankara systematises pancayatana puja
Sources
- Karl Werner academic work
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Disclaimer. This profile is an educational summary based on publicly available reports. Many members of this group do not experience the patterns described. Individual congregations and chapters vary widely. If you or someone you know needs support, contact a licensed therapist or the International Cultic Studies Association.