Branches of Vaishnavism (Utkaliya, Gaudiya): Smarta and Vaishnava Traditions, and the Determination of Festivals According to Smarta and Vaishnava Practices.

Vaishnava: A Vaishnava is a devotee who worships Lord Vishnu or His incarnations as the Supreme Soul, follows the path of devotion (bhakti), and is guided by scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, aspiring for liberation through loving service to the Lord.

हृदयं मम निर्मलम् कुरु, उज्ज्वलम् कुरु हरि ।
अन्तर्बहिश्च मां शुद्धं कुरु, मंगलं कुरु हरि॥

Vaishnavism is divided into four principal branches, all focused on the worship of Lord Vishnu, his avatars (especially Shri Rama and Shri Krishna), and other divine forms. The core philosophy of Vaishnavism emphasizes achieving liberation (moksha) through pure devotion (bhakti) to Lord Vishnu. The teachings of the Vaishnava Sampradaya aim to guide individuals toward liberation through steadfast devotion at the feet of Lord Vishnu.

The four principal branches of the Vaishnava Sampradaya were each founded by distinguished spiritual leaders and philosophers, as detailed below:

सर्वत्र मां पश्यति यो भक्तो भक्त्या सदा स्थितः।
आत्मानं च मयि पश्यन् स एव परमः वैष्णवः॥

1. Shri Sampradaya:

Founder: Goddess Lakshmi:

Principal Acharya: Ramanujacharya.

Philosophy: This tradition is based on the Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) philosophy, which states that while both the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme Brahman (God) are the same, there are qualitative differences between them. Ramanujacharya advocated for attaining God through devotion and service.

The Utkaliya Vaishnavs are primarily associated with the Utkal region, which includes modern-day Odisha and parts of nearby states, and they follow the Sri Sampradaya. The Ramanandi Sampradaya, a branch of the Sri Sampradaya, also preserves its traditions and core principles.

Branch:-Ramanandi Sampradaya:

2. Brahma Sampradaya:

Founder: Lord Brahma.

Principal Acharya: Madhvacharya.

Philosophy: The Brahma Sampradaya follows the Dvaita (dualism) philosophy, which holds that the individual soul and God are entirely separate entities. Madhvacharya emphasized the distinct and supreme nature of Lord Vishnu and the need for devotion to Him as the only path to salvation.

The Vaishnavas of Vrindavan and followers of  Gaudiya Vaishnavism  follow the traditions and principles of  Brahma Sampradaya.

According to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON's founder, belongs to the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya. This lineage is a branch of the Brahma Sampradaya, which is traditionally believed to have originated with Lord Brahma, the creator deity in Hinduism.

Branch:-Gaudiya Sampradaya.

3. Rudra Sampradaya.

Founder: Lord Shiva.

Principal Acharya: Vallabhacharya.

Philosophy: This tradition is based on Shuddhadvaita (pure non-dualism), which emphasizes that there is no difference between Brahman (Supreme Being) and the individual soul. Vallabhacharya promoted devotion to Lord Krishna in his complete form and initiated the worship of Shrinathji as the supreme deity.

The Rudra Sampradaya has followers mainly in parts of North India, especially in regions like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Maharashtra, where there are strong cultural links between Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions.

सर्वदा आत्मनि परमात्मानं, 
परमात्मनि च आत्मानं द्रष्टुं प्रयतस्व।

4. Kumara Sampradaya.

Founder: The Four Kumaras (Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanatkumara).

Principal Acharya: Nimbarkacharya.

Philosophy: The Kumara Sampradaya follows Dvaitadvaita (dualistic non-dualism), which holds that the individual soul and Brahman are both the same and different.

The Kumara Sampradaya is a Vaishnavite tradition rooted in the teachings of the Kumaras, the four eternal sons of Lord Brahma, who are honored for their wisdom, celibacy, and devotion to Lord Vishnu. This sampradaya is intended for devotees who take vows of lifelong celibacy (Brahmacharya), dedicated to teaching, learning, and deep spiritual meditation. Emphasizing Bhakti (devotional worship) and spiritual renunciation, the tradition is primarily practiced in regions where Vaishnavism is prevalent, such as India and Sri Lanka. Its followers engage in devotional practices dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna.

Medieval Vaishnava Movements:

During medieval times, Vaishnavism expanded through prominent spiritual movements and saints:

1.Gaudiya Sampradaya: Founded by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, this sect is centered on the devotion to Radha-Krishna, emphasizing ecstatic love for Krishna through congregational chanting (kirtan). 

In terms of its theological lineage, the Gaudiya Sampradaya is indeed considered a branch of the Brahma Sampradaya, one of the four main Vaishnava sampradayas (lineages). This connection is recognized particularly within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which was founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966 to bring Gaudiya Vaishnavism to a global audience. ISKCON regards Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s teachings as an expansion of the Brahma Sampradaya, which traces its origins back to Lord Brahma, the creator deity, who is believed to have received divine knowledge directly from Lord Krishna.

2.Ramanandi Sampradaya: Founded by Ramananda Acharya, this sect emphasized the universal accessibility of devotion, breaking down the barriers of caste and creed. Goswami Tulsidas, a significant figure in this tradition, composed the Ramcharitmanas, making the glories of Lord Rama accessible to the masses.

In terms of its theological lineage, the Ramanandi Sampradaya is considered a branch of the Sri Sampradaya, one of the four main Vaishnava sampradayas (lineages). The Sri Sampradaya, which traces its origins to the goddess Lakshmi (Sri) and was systematized by the philosopher-saint Ramanuja, focuses on the worship of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations.

शङ्खध्वनि: सायंप्राते नित्यं कार्या समाहितैः।

नरनार्यः समायुक्ताः प्रसन्नचेतसः सदा॥

न स्त्री न पुरुषो भेदो धर्मे कर्मणि च क्वचित्।

शङ्खध्वनि: सदा कार्या नारायणप्रसन्नये॥

Key Aspects of Vaishnavism:

Primacy of Bhakti: In Vaishnavism, loving devotion (bhakti) to Lord Vishnu or His incarnations is regarded as the foremost path to liberation (moksha).

Inclusiveness: Vaishnava traditions have historically emphasized spiritual equality, opening the path of devotion to people of all castes and backgrounds. This inclusivity was further popularized and strengthened during the Bhakti movement.

Accessible Path to Moksha: According to Vaishnava teachings, strict renunciation or severe asceticism is not required to attain moksha. Liberation can be achieved even while living a household life, through sincere devotion and worship of God—as taught in the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana.

श्रीमद्भागवतम् श्रेष्ठं पुराणम्।

भागवतलीला-कथा सुन्दरवर्णम्॥

ज्ञानवर्धनं मुक्तिमोक्षप्रदायकम्।

प्रमाणिकग्रन्थेष्वेकं श्रीमद्भागवतम्॥

Why do Vaishnava men shave their heads?

Hair is traditionally seen as a symbol of beauty and ego. In the spirit of complete surrender to God, a devotee seeks to renounce ego and material attachments. As a symbolic gesture of this renunciation, Vaishnava men often shave their heads.

Shaving the head represents humility, simplicity, and a commitment to spiritual life. It signifies detachment from worldly vanity and the embrace of a disciplined, devotional path.

While not all Vaishnavas shave their heads, it is a common practice among certain sects — especially among members of the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) movement. ISKCON male devotees typically shave their heads, leaving a small tuft of hair called a śikhā at the back, which symbolizes devotion and the soul's connection to God.

एक ब्रह्म जगन्नाथः, नामभेदैः प्रकीर्तितः।
एको धर्मः सनातनः, यतः मतः ततः पथः॥

 Vaishnavism (Utkaliya, Gaudiya): Smarta and Vaishnava Traditions, and the Determination of Festivals According to Smarta and Vaishnava Practices.

Smarta and Vaishnava:-

In Hinduism, Smarta and Vaishnava are two significant religious traditions, each with its own theological perspectives and worship practices. Both are part of the larger Sanatana Dharma and have distinct paths to devotion and liberation. Let’s explore both of these traditions and their associated festivals.

1. Smarta Tradition:

Definition: The term Smarta comes from the Sanskrit word "Smriti," referring to religious texts like the Smritis that provide guidelines for proper living. Followers of the Smarta tradition adhere to the teachings of the Smriti literature, which includes the Manusmriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti, and other Dharma Shastras.

Worship: Smarta followers are householders who worship five principal deities (known as Panchadevata), believing that all deities are manifestations of the same ultimate reality. These five deities are:

Lord Ganesha – The remover of obstacles.

Lord Vishnu – The preserver.

Lord Shiva – The destroyer and liberator.

Surya – The Sun God, representing the source of life and light.

Shakti – The Divine Mother, appearing in forms like Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

Smarta worshippers can choose to devote themselves to any of these deities, but all are viewed as equally valid paths to the divine. Adi Shankaracharya is credited with popularizing this tradition, emphasizing the unity of the divine and the importance of maintaining balance in worship.

Festivals: Festivals in the Smarta tradition are often related to the Panchadevata (five deities). Key festivals include:

Ganesh Chaturthi: Celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha.

Maha Shivaratri: Dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.

Navaratri: Worshipping the Goddess Durga in her nine forms.

Makar Sankranti: Honoring the Sun God, Surya.

Shri Hari Vishnu-related festivals: Also observed, though alongside the other deities.

2. Vaishnava Tradition:

Definition: The Vaishnava tradition is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu and his avatars, such as Rama and Krishna. Vaishnavas regard Vishnu as the Supreme God and emphasize bhakti (devotion) as the path to salvation.

Worship: Vaishnavas are solely devoted to Lord Vishnu or his incarnations. The philosophy of the Vaishnava tradition revolves around the idea that by surrendering completely to Vishnu, one can attain moksha (liberation). Bhakti, characterized by deep devotion and love for God, is central to this tradition. Vaishnavas often follow sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana.

नित्यं पठ्यते गीता-भागवतम्।

मुक्तिमोक्षप्रदाते एतद् द्वयम्॥

Festivals: Vaishnavas celebrate many festivals related to Vishnu and his incarnations. Major Vaishnava festivals include:

Ram Navami: The birthday of Lord Rama.

Krishna Janmashtami: Celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna.

Vaishnava Ekadashi: A day of fasting and devotion to Lord Vishnu.

Diwali: Linked with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu.

Key Differences between Smarta and Vaishnava Traditions:

Primary Deity:

Smarta: Worships multiple deities (Ganesha, Vishnu, Shiva, Surya, and Shakti) equally, as manifestations of the one Supreme Being.

Vaishnava: Focuses exclusively on Lord Vishnu as the Supreme God.

Philosophical Approach:

Smarta: Emphasizes the oneness of all deities and a balanced approach to worship.

Vaishnava: Focuses on exclusive devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu and his incarnations.

Scriptural Basis:

Smarta: Follows Smriti literature and the Advaita (non-dualism) philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya.

Vaishnava: Follows texts like the Vedas, Bhagavad Mahapuran, Vishnu purana, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita.

Conclusion:

The Smarta tradition promotes worship of multiple deities with a balanced and inclusive approach, while the Vaishnava tradition centers around Lord Vishnu and emphasizes bhakti (devotion) as the key to attaining liberation. Both traditions have deep roots in Hinduism and offer unique paths for spiritual growth and religious practice.

Determination of Festivals by Smarta and Vaishnava Traditions: What is the reason for different dates for the same puja in Hinduism?

Smarta Tradition: Followers of the Smarta tradition observe festivals based on the starting date of the event or festival as indicated in the calendar. They typically celebrate on the day when the festival or event begins, without focusing on specific lunar calculations beyond the start date.

Vaishnava Tradition: Vaishnava followers, on the other hand, observe festivals according to the specific tithi (lunar day) as prescribed by their tradition. The Vaishnava calendar is often based on precise lunar phases, and as a result, their festival dates may differ slightly from those of the Smarta tradition. This is why festivals such as Ekadashi are sometimes observed on different days by Smarta and Vaishnava adherents.

What is the reason for different dates for the same puja in Hinduism?

The reason for different dates for the same puja in Hinduism:

In Sanatan Hinduism, some people follow the Smarta Tradition, and some people follow the Vaishnava Tradition. In some cases, dates of the Smarta Tradition become different from the Vaishnava Tradition because:

Smarta Tradition: The Smarta tradition observes festivals based on the starting date as listed in their calendar.

Vaishnava Tradition: In contrast, the Vaishnava tradition aligns festivals with specific tithis as prescribed by their religious texts.

Hindi

 स्मार्त और वैष्णव मत।

स्मार्त मत और वैष्णव मत एवं दोनों मतों पर आधारित पर्व।

सनातन (हिन्दू )धर्म में चार मुख्य सम्प्रदाय हैं : वैष्णव (जो भगवान विष्णु को परमेश्वर मानते हैं), शैव (जो भगवान शिव को परमेश्वर मानते हैं), शाक्त (जो देवी दुर्गा को परमशक्ति मानते हैं) और स्मार्त (जो परमेश्वर के विभिन्न रूपों को एक ही समान मानते हैं)

सरल भाषा में भगवान शिव को अपना ईष्ट मानने वाले 'शैव', शक्ति अर्थात् दुर्गा को अपना ईष्ट मानने वाले 'शाक्त' व भगवान विष्णु को अपना ईष्ट मानने वाले 'वैष्णव' कहलाते हैं। 

मोटे तौर पर ऐेसे व्यक्ति जो  पंचदेवों (गणेश, विष्णु,‍ शिव, सूर्य व दुर्गा) के उपासक और गृहस्थ धर्म का पालन करने वाले होते हैं, उन्हें स्मार्त कहते हैं। 

आदि शंकराचार्य ने साधारण गृहस्थों को पाँच देवताओं की पूजा की महत्ता को समझाया। इन पंचदेवताओं में भगवान विष्णु, भगवान शिव, भगवान गणेश, भगवान सूर्य और शक्ति (जो दुर्गा, लक्ष्मी, सरस्वती जैसे रूपों में प्रकट होती हैं) शामिल हैं। इन देवताओं की पूजा करने से श्रद्धा, विश्वास और समर्थता में वृद्धि होती है। यह पूजा यश, पुण्य, मानसिक शांति, और सम्मान की प्राप्ति कराती है। व्यक्ति में आत्मविश्वास और साहस का विकास होता है, उसकी बुद्धि और विवेक बढ़ते हैं, और वह आरोग्य का सुख भी प्राप्त करता है। यह राय/मत को स्मार्त मत कहलाती है ।

क्या है स्मार्त और वैष्णव मत?

स्मार्त मत।;-स्मार्त नाम संस्कृत शब्द 'स्मृति' से निकला है, स्मार्त मत स्मृति साहित्य का अनुसरण करता है। 

श्रुति एवं स्मृति।

श्रुति:-

श्रुति हिन्दू धर्म के सर्वोच्च और सर्वोपरि धर्मग्रन्थों का समूह है। श्रुति का शाब्दिक अर्थ है सुना हुआ, यानि ईश्वर की वाणी जो प्राचीन काल में ऋषियों द्वारा सुनी गई थी और शिष्यों के द्वारा सुनकर जगत में फैलाई गई थी। इस दिव्य स्रोत के कारण इन्हें धर्म का सबसे महत्त्वपूर्ण स्रोत माना है। श्रुति में चार वेद आते हैं : ऋग्वेद,यजुर्वेद, सामवेद और अथर्ववेद। हर वेद के चार भाग होते हैं : संहिता, ब्राह्मण-ग्रन्थ, आरण्यक और उपनिषद्। इनके अलावा बाकी सभी हिन्दू धर्मग्रन्थ स्मृति के अन्तर्गत आते हैं।

स्मृति :-

स्मृति का अर्थ है मनुष्यों के स्मरण और बुद्धि से बने ग्रंथ जो वस्तुतः श्रुति के ही मानवीय विवरण और व्याख्या माने जाते हैं। इनमें वेद नहीं आते। स्मृतियों की रचना वेदों की रचना के बाद  हुआ।

मुख्य स्मृति ग्रंथ

मनुस्मृति

याज्ञवल्क्य स्मृति

अत्रि स्मृति

विष्णु स्मृति

हारीत स्मृति

औशनस स्मृति

अंगिरा स्मृति

यम स्मृति

कात्यायन स्मृति

बृहस्पति स्मृति

पराशर स्मृति

व्यास स्मृति

दक्ष स्मृति

गौतम स्मृति

वशिष्ठ स्मृति

आपस्तम्ब स्मृति

संवर्त स्मृति

शंख स्मृति

लिखित स्मृति

देवल स्मृति

शतातप स्मृति

 स्मार्त मत।

स्मृति ग्रंथों के जो मत हैं उन्हें स्मार्त मत कहते हैं । स्मार्त मत से जुड़े लोग किसी भी पर्व की शुरुआत की तिथि को मानते हैं। एकादशी भी स्मार्त मत के लोग एक दिन पहले मनाते हैं।

वैष्णव सम्प्रदाय।

वैष्णव सम्प्रदाय, भगवान विष्णु और उनके स्वरूपों को आराध्य मानने वाला सम्प्रदाय है। इसके अन्तर्गत मूल रूप से चार संप्रदाय आते हैं। मान्यता अनुसार पौराणिक काल में विभिन्न देवी-देवताओं द्वारा वैष्णव महामंत्र दीक्षा परंपरा से इन संप्रदायों का प्रवर्तन हुआ है। 

(१) श्री सम्प्रदाय जिसकी आद्य प्रवरर्तिका विष्णु पत्नी महा लक्ष्मी देवी और प्रमुख आचार्य रामानुजाचार्य हुए। जो वर्तमान में रामानुज सम्प्रदाय के नाम से जाना जाता है।

(२) ब्रह्म सम्प्रदाय जिसके आद्य प्रवर्तक चतुरानन ब्रह्मादेव और प्रमुख आचार्य माधवाचार्य हुए। जो वर्तमान में माध्वसम्प्रदाय के नाम से जाना जाता है।

(३) रुद्र सम्प्रदाय जिसके आद्य प्रवर्तक देवादिदेव महादेव और प्रमुख आचार्य वल्लभाचार्य हुए जो वर्तमान में वल्लभ सम्प्रदाय के नाम से जाना जाता है।

(४) कुमार संप्रदाय जिसके आद्य प्रवर्तक सनतकुमार गण और प्रमुख आचार्य निम्बार्काचार्य हुए जो वर्तमान में निम्बार्क सम्प्रदाय के नाम से जाना जाता है।

इसके अलावा मध्यकालीन भारत में ब्रह्म (मध्व) संप्रदाय के अंतर्गत ब्रह्ममाध्व गौड़ेश्वर(गौड़ीय) संप्रदाय जिसके प्रवर्तक आचार्य  महाप्रभु चैतन्यदेव हुए और श्री(रामानुज) संप्रदाय के अंतर्गत रामानंदी संप्रदाय जिसके प्रवर्तक आचार्य श्रीरामानंदाचार्य हुए । रामान्दाचार्य जी ने सर्व धर्म समभाव की भावना को बल देते हुए कबीर, रहीम सभी वर्णों (जाति) के व्यक्तियों को भक्ति का उपदेश किया। आगे रामानन्द संम्प्रदाय में गोस्वामी तुलसीदास हुए जिन्होने श्री रामचरितमानस की रचना करके जनसामान्य तक भगवत महिमा को पहुँचाया। मध्यकालीन वैष्णव आचार्यों ने भक्ति के लिए सभी वर्ण और जाति के लिए मार्ग खोला, परंतु रामानंदाचार्य वर्ण व्यवस्था अनुरूप दो अलग अलग परंपरा चलायी ।  वैष्णव धर्म के अंदर भक्ति का प्रमुख स्थान है। वैष्णव धर्म का दृष्टिकोण सार्वजनिक और व्यापक था।  गीता के अनुसार मोक्ष प्राप्ति के लिए तपस्या और सन्यास अनिवार्य नहीं है ,मनुष्य गृहस्ती में रहते हुए भी मोक्ष को प्राप्त कर सकता है।

वैष्णव मत।

वह मत जिसे हमारे आचार्यों ने प्रारंभ किया है। ब्रह्म मुहूर्त में जो तिथि होती है वैष्णव उसी दिन उत्सव मनाते हैं।

Bengali.

হিন্দু সম্প্রদায়ের পূজা পার্বনের দুই মত (দ্বিমত) কেন ? 

সনাতন ধর্মে পূজা ,পার্বন দুটি মতের উপর আধারিত। একটি হলো 'বৈষ্ণব' মত যাকে আমরা বলি গোস্বামী মত ,অন্যটি হল স্মার্ত মত। 

জগৎ গুরু আদি শঙ্কর (শঙ্করাচার্য)সাধারণ গৃহস্থ  লোকদের পঞ্চ দেবতার পূজা করার বিধান দেন। এই মত ই স্মার্ত  মত।

'বৈষ্ণব' সম্প্রদায়ের মতে ব্রহ্ম মুহূর্ত (পরমেশ্বরের সময়কাল/তিথি) কে ধরে পূজা ,পার্বন,অনুষ্ঠানের সময় নির্ধারণ করা হয়।

 স্মার্ত মতে পূজা,পার্বন শুরু হওয়ার দিনটিকে  তিথি   মেনে  পূজা ,পার্বন অনুষ্ঠিত হয়। স্মার্ত মতে  একাদশী ও একদিন আগে পালিত হয়।