Shanmata (IAST Ṣaṇmata) meaning "Six Religions" in Sanskrit, has its origins in the hoary past. While these Six Religions of Vedic Culture initially had separate followers, theologian Adi Shankara, the 8th century CE Hindu philosopher, worked to join the adherents of the Six Religions into one through spreading his Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Adi Sankara's followers worship all It centers around the worship of the Six of the supreme Deities of the Vedic Religion, Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, Ganesha, Surya and Skanda as One. This is based on the belief in the essential oneness of all deities, the unity of Godhead, the one divine power, Brahman.