Panchayatana puja

[3][4] Sometimes an Ishta Devata (any personal god of devotee's preference) or Kartikeya is the sixth deity in the mandala (see Shanmata).

[6] The Kushan period set includes Shiva, Vishnu, Surya, Shakti and one deity whose identity is unclear.

The five or six icons are seen by Smartas as multiple representations of the one Saguna Brahman (i.e., a personal God, with form), rather than as distinct beings.

The ultimate goal in this practice is to transition past the use of icons, then follow a philosophical and meditative path to understanding the oneness of Atman (soul, self) and Brahman – as "That art Thou".

[5] Depending on the tradition followed by Smarta households, one of these deities is kept in the center and the other four corners of a square surrounding it.

[1] The five may be represented as simply as five kinds of stones called a Pancayatana puja set, or just five marks drawn on the floor.

[8][9] Contrary to the objections raised by some rival schools of the Smarta sampradaya, the practice of Panchayatana Puja is found to be enshrined in several Puranas as well, further substantiating its ancient origins.

[11] In Padma Purana 6.88.43-44 Lord Krishna Tells Satyabhama:- "As the rainwater goes to the ocean, the followers of Śiva, the Sun, Gaṇeśa, Viṣṇu, so also the worshippers of Śakti come to me only.