Hinduism is a pluralistic religious system with no single founder or unified doctrine. Its beliefs are composed of multiple sects, primarily Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism—the “three major traditions,” corresponding to the Trimurti: Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma. In addition, there are several smaller sects and philosophical schools. While all branches agree on core concepts such as reincarnation and liberation, they differ significantly in divine focus, philosophical interpretation, and modes of practice. The following is a detailed analysis of the major sects and their doctrinal features.

1. Vaishnavism

Overview and Distribution

Vaishnavism worships Vishnu as the supreme deity, regarding Him as the preserver of the universe. Originating during the epic period around the 5th century BCE, it accounts for 60–70% of Hindus as of 2025 (roughly 700–800 million adherents). It is widespread in North India (such as Uttar Pradesh), South India (Tamil Nadu), and overseas (about 1.5 million adherents in the U.S.).

Core Doctrines

Supremacy of Vishnu:
Vishnu is the protector of the cosmos, descending in ten incarnations (Dashavatara), such as Rama and Krishna, to save the world. The Bhagavad Gita states: “Whenever righteousness declines, I manifest myself” (4:7).

Bhakti (Devotion):
Liberation (moksha) is achieved through heartfelt devotion to Vishnu, including chanting His names (e.g., “Hare Krishna”) and offering prayers.

Soul and God:

Ramanuja’s doctrine of Vishishtadvaita (Qualified Non-Dualism, 11th century) teaches that the soul (Atman) is distinct from but dependent on Vishnu.

Madhva’s Dvaita (Dualism, 13th century) emphasizes eternal difference between soul and God.

Authoritative Texts

The Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu Purana, Ramayana, and Mahabharata form the scriptural foundation. The Vishnu Samhita outlines ritual practice.

Features and Practices

Avatar worship:
Rama and Krishna are especially revered, with festivals such as Rama Navami and Janmashtami.

Pilgrimage sites:
Ayodhya (Rama’s birthplace) and Mathura (Krishna’s hometown) are key holy places.

Temple rituals:
Worship includes offerings to Vishnu idols and recitation of the Vishnu Sahasranama (The Thousand Names of Vishnu).

Major Branches

Sri Vaishnavism: Founded by Ramanuja; dominant in South India; emphasizes devotion and social equality.

Gaudiya Vaishnavism: Founded by Chaitanya (16th century); focuses on Krishna worship; influential in the West through ISKCON (approx. 500,000 global followers).

2. Shaivism

Overview and Distribution

Shaivism worships Shiva as the supreme god, viewing Him as the creator and destroyer of the universe. With roots in the Upanishadic period around 1000 BCE, it accounts for 25–30% of Hindus in 2025 (300–350 million adherents). It is concentrated in South India, the Himalayan regions of North India, and parts of Southeast Asia (such as Bali).

Core Doctrines

Supremacy of Shiva:
Shiva is the cosmic lord with powers of creation, preservation, and destruction. The Shiva Purana calls Him “Lord of Yoga” (Yogeshvara) and “Lord of the Dance” (Nataraja).

Path to Liberation:
Liberation is attained through meditation (dhyana) and yogic discipline.
Shankara’s Advaita Vedanta holds that the world is an illusion (maya) and Shiva alone is the ultimate reality.

Dual Nature of Shiva:
Shiva is both an ascetic and a householder (with consort Parvati), symbolizing balance.

Authoritative Texts

The Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, and Shiva Samhita are central scriptures. The Tejobindu Upanishad articulates Shaiva philosophical ideas.

Features and Practices

Lingam worship:
The Shiva Lingam symbolizes cosmic energy. Maha Shivaratri celebrates Shiva’s triumph.

Pilgrimages:
Varanasi and Kedarnath are major holy sites.

Yoga and Asceticism:
Shaivism emphasizes yogic traditions, such as the Siddha school in South India.

Major Branches

Kashmir Shaivism: Developed in the 9th century; blends non-dualism with tantric practices; stresses unity of consciousness.

Lingayatism: Founded in the 12th century by Basava in South India; rejects caste; emphasizes personal devotion.

3. Shaktism

Overview and Distribution

Shaktism worships the Goddess (Shakti) as the supreme cosmic power, considering Her the source of creation and destruction. Originating around the 5th century BCE, it comprises roughly 10–15% of Hindus in 2025 (100–180 million adherents), mainly in Eastern India, Southern India, and Nepal.

Core Doctrines

Supremacy of Shakti:
Goddesses such as Durga, Kali, and Lakshmi represent ultimate reality. The Devi Mahatmya states: “All things arise from the Goddess.”

Energy Worship:
Shakti is the dynamic universal force. Devotion and tantric disciplines lead to liberation.

Union of Dualities:
Emphasizes the union of male and female principles (e.g., Shiva-Shakti), giving Shaktism a mystical character.

Authoritative Texts

Major scriptures include the Devi Mahatmya, Devi Bhagavata Purana, Kali Samhita, and various Tantras.

Features and Practices

Goddess festivals:
Durga Puja and Kali Puja are major events, sometimes involving animal sacrifice in certain regions.

Tantric rituals:
Practices include mandala creation and mantra recitation, highlighting unity of body and spirit.

Sacred sites:
Kamakhya in Northeast India is a major Shakti pilgrimage center.

Major Branches

Sri Vidya: A South Indian tantric tradition focusing on Lakshmi and wisdom.

Kali tradition: Eastern India’s Kali worship emphasizes transformative power.

4. Other Minor Sects and Philosophical Schools

Brahmaism

Worships Brahma, the creator god. Once prominent in the early Vedic period, it later declined. Today only a few temples remain, including the one at Pushkar.

Samkhya Philosophy

Founded by Kapila, it posits a dualism between spirit (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti). It influenced Yoga and Vedanta; now mainly a philosophical rather than devotional school.

Yoga School

Codified in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (2nd century BCE), it teaches the Eightfold Path (Ashtanga Yoga). Approximately 50 million people practice yoga worldwide in 2025.

Smartism

Influenced by Shankara’s Advaita; worships five deities (Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, Ganesha, and Surya). Represents roughly 5% of Hindus.

5. Comparative Analysis and Shared Features

Common Elements

Reincarnation and Liberation:
All sects accept samsara (rebirth) and moksha (liberation).

Karma and Dharma:
Moral duty and karmic consequence are universal principles.

Scriptural foundation:
The Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita serve as common references.

Differences

Divine Focus:
Vaishnavism emphasizes devotion; Shaivism emphasizes yoga; Shaktism emphasizes tantra.

Philosophical Views:
Advaita stresses non-duality; Dvaita stresses eternal distinction.

Modes of Practice:
Devotional worship, meditation, and ritual vary among sects.

6. Contemporary Development (as of 2025)

Vaishnavism:
ISKCON continues to globalize; online chanting grows in popularity.

Shaivism:
Yoga is widely practiced in the West; Maha Shivaratri has become a global festival.

Shaktism:
Durga Puja has become a cultural icon; tantric ideas influence New Age spirituality.