Within Smartism, gurus and acharyas stand as the living bridge between scriptural revelation, ritual practice, and the non-dual realization that underlies them. They interpret Advaita Vedānta, elucidating how the worship of multiple deities is harmonized with the vision of a single, formless Brahman. By clarifying the teachings of the Vedas, Upaniṣads, Bhagavad Gītā, Brahma Sūtras, and the works of Ādi Śaṅkara, they ensure that devotion to various forms does not obscure the underlying unity of reality. Their role is not merely intellectual; they embody the dharma they teach, serving as exemplars of ethical conduct and disciplined spiritual life.

As custodians of tradition, these teachers preserve and transmit both philosophical insight and ritual discipline. They instruct householders in practices such as pañcāyatana-pūjā and other rites, guiding them so that ritual observance remains aligned with non-dual understanding. In this way, they help devotees see the symbolic significance of deities like Viṣṇu, Śiva, Devī, Sūrya, and Gaṇeśa as diverse expressions of one truth. Their guidance reconciles what might appear to be a tension between multi-deity worship and the assertion that only Brahman is ultimately real.

Gurus and acharyas also function as initiators and spiritual guides, transmitting mantras and formal instruction within an established lineage. Through initiation and ongoing counsel, they lead disciples through stages of listening, reflection, and deep contemplation aimed at direct realization of non-dual consciousness. This transmission is not limited to esoteric teaching; it extends to the maintenance of guru–śiṣya paramparā and, in many cases, to leadership of monastic institutions that safeguard Smartist learning and practice. By propagating Advaita Vedānta and nurturing both devotion and knowledge, they sustain the continuity and inner coherence of the tradition.

A distinctive aspect of their role lies in integrating bhakti and jñāna so that neither becomes one-sided. Devotees are encouraged to approach their chosen deity with heartfelt devotion, while being gently led to recognize that all forms of the divine ultimately point back to the same non-dual reality. In this sense, gurus and acharyas serve as interpreters of both scripture and life, helping practitioners move from outward ritual to inward realization without rejecting either. Their presence allows the Smartist path to remain a living, dynamic synthesis of worship and wisdom, grounded in an unbroken lineage of teaching and practice.