Shakti

Shakti (Sanskrit: शक्ति, IAST: Śakti) is a fundamental concept in Hinduism, representing the dynamic forces that are thought to move through the entire universe. Shakti is the personification of divine feminine creative power, sometimes referred to as "The Great Divine Mother" in Hinduism. She is considered the source of all energy, power, and creativity in the universe.

Etymology and Meaning

The term Shakti is derived from the Sanskrit root śak, meaning "to be able", "to have power". In Hindu philosophy, Shakti is the primordial cosmic energy and represents the dynamic forces that are thought to move through the entire universe. Shakti is the concept, or personification, of divine feminine creative power, sometimes referred to as "The Great Divine Mother" in Hinduism.

Role in Hinduism

Shakti is worshipped as the supreme being in the Shaktism tradition of Hinduism. She is considered the source of all energy, power, and creativity in the universe. Shakti is also seen as the personification of the energy that is responsible for creation, maintenance, and destruction of the universe.

In the Shaivism tradition, Shakti is the consort of Shiva, and together they represent the dynamic and static aspects of the divine. Shiva is often depicted as the passive, unchanging consciousness, while Shakti is the active, dynamic energy.

Forms of Shakti

Shakti manifests in various forms, each representing different aspects of her power and energy. Some of the most well-known forms include:

• Durga: The warrior goddess, who combats evils and demonic forces that threaten peace, prosperity, and dharma.
• Kali: The fierce aspect of Shakti, representing time, change, and destruction.
• Parvati: The gentle and nurturing aspect, often depicted as the consort of Shiva.
• Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity.
• Saraswati: The goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning.

Philosophical Significance

In Hindu philosophy, Shakti is seen as the essential energy that animates all beings. She is the force that drives the universe and is present in every living being. The concept of Shakti emphasizes the importance of the feminine aspect of the divine and the balance between male and female energies.

Shakti is also associated with the concept of kundalini, a form of divine energy believed to be located at the base of the spine. Through spiritual practices such as yoga and meditation, practitioners aim to awaken this energy and allow it to rise through the chakras, leading to spiritual enlightenment.

Worship and Festivals

Shakti is worshipped in various forms across India and other parts of the world. Some of the major festivals dedicated to Shakti include:

• Navaratri: A nine-night festival celebrating the different forms of Shakti, particularly Durga.
• Durga Puja: A major festival in West Bengal and other parts of India, celebrating the victory of Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
• Kali Puja: A festival dedicated to the worship of Kali, particularly in Bengal and Assam.

Also see

• Shaktism
• Shaivism
• Devi Mahatmya
• Kundalini
• Tantra