Shaktism is a religious and philosophical tradition that originated in India. Derived from the Sanskrit word "shakti," which means power or energy, Shaktism is centered on the worship of Devi, the supreme goddess. It is a form of Hinduism that focuses on the divine feminine aspect of the divine, highlighting the cosmic energy or force that creates and sustains the universe.
In Shaktism, Devi is regarded as the all-pervading, ultimate reality and the source of all existence. She is worshipped in various forms, such as Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, among others. The philosophy of Shaktism holds that Shakti is both immanent and transcendent, encompassing both the physical and metaphysical realms. This belief is central to understanding Shaktism's emphasis on female power and the celebration of womanhood.
The Shakti practitioners consider the goddess as the creator, preserver, and destroyer of all beings. The rituals, myths, and practices associated with Shaktism revolve around the appreciation of this cosmic energy and the realization of the intrinsic divine nature within oneself. Devotees seek to cultivate a relationship with Devi through meditation, chanting, prayers, and elaborate ceremonies.
Shaktism is not limited to India alone; it has influenced various other cultures and regions. It has merged with local beliefs and traditions in places like Nepal, Tibet, and Southeast Asia. Shaktism also shares similarities with other religious and spiritual traditions that worship the feminine divine, such as the goddess-centered practices in Wicca and the worship of the mother goddess in certain Native American cultures.
Overall, Shaktism is a multifaceted tradition that affirms the power and divinity of the feminine principle,
