The 'Shan-mata' - '6 Systems of worship'

    Hinduism propogates the "Shan-mata" - or 6 systems of worship to reach the Divine as originally laid down in the Eternal Vedas. Veda Vyasa , in order to bring this truth and knowledge to the masses, authored the Puranas. Out of his benevolence and love for humanity, he brought forth the Puranas that contains tales of yore which have the subtle aspects as well as the gross aspects of "Shan-mata", Methods of worship and Dharma and it's elaboration among others. Sri Adi Shankharacharya - the Great Reorganizer - resetablished this grand concept and laid down rules to perpetuate them. He was instrumental in establishing the 4 Maths and entrusting them to protect the Hindu way of worship and life.

  
   The "Shan-mata" or the 6 Systems are as follows -

1. Saiva - System of worship and belief where Lord Shiva is considered the ultimate form of God
2. Vaishnava - System of worship and belief where Lord Narayana is considered the ultimate form of God
3. Sakteya - System of worship and belief where Shakti is considered the ultimate form of God
4. Ganapathya - System of worship and belief where Lord Ganesha is considered the ultimate form of God
5. Skanda - System of worship and belief where Lord Subhramanya is considered the ultimate form of God
6. Saura - System of worship and belief where Lord Surya is considered the ultimate form of God