smartha

There is a misconception about the term Smartha.

The term Smartha is taken to mean Brahmins who worship Siva.

Ramanuja, founder of the Vishishtadvaita philosophy found sanctuary in Karnataka at a time when the Hoysala empire, ruled by Vishnuvardhana, were at their zenith. Adi Shankaracharya, founder of the Advaita philosophy chose Sringeri as the site for the first Matha. Madhvacharya, founder of the Dvaita philosophy, was the son of Karnataka. As such,south Indian Brahmin belongs to any one of three specific sects (schools of philosophy), being:

the Smartha sect – adherents of the Advaita philosophy propounded by Sri Adi Shankaracharya.
the Srivaishnava sect – adherents of the Vishishtadvaita philosophy propounded by Sri Ramanujacharya.
the Madhwa sect – adherents of the Dvaita philosophy propounded by Sri Madhvacharya.'(wiki)

This is incorrect.

A ‘Smartha’ is one who follows ‘Smriti’, ‘Smriti yeti Smarthaha’.

Those who follow the general code , other than ‘Sruthi’ (Vedas) a or both are called Smarthas,

The systems of Advaita,Visishtadvaita and Dvaita came later, these systems having been organised by Adi Sankaracharya, Ramanuja and Madvacharya respectively.

All are Smart