Shakti
In most South Asian languages, Shakti translates literally as power.
In Hinduism, Shakti is an aspect of Devi, and a personification of God as the Divine Mother who represents the active, dynamic principles of feminine power. In Shaktism, Shakti is worshiped as the Supreme Being. Alternatively, in other Hindu traditions, Shakti represents the power of God, called Vishnu or Shiva. For Vaishnavites, God's power or Shakti is Yogamaya. For Shaivites, God's power is Parvati.
The word Shakti is used in a variety of ways ranging from its use as
a way of signifying the ultimate primordial creative power, to
expressing the capacity or power of words to convey meaning.
Etymologically it is derived from the root 'shak,' meaning potency or
the potential to produce, an assertion of Her inherent creative
aptitude.
All interpretations of the word 'shakti' hold common one parameter,
namely power. Specifically, Shakti means power, force and feminine
energy. She represents the fundamental creative instinct underlying the
cosmos, and is the energizing force of all divinity, of every being and
every thing. Devotees believe the whole universe to be a manifestation
of Shakti, who is also known by her general name Devi, from the Sanskrit root 'div' which means to shine.
In the Hindu scripture 'Devi Mahatmyam', Mahamaya (Great Maya) is said to cover Vishnu's eyes in Yoganidra (Divine Sleep) during cycles of existence when all is resolved into
one. By exhorting Mahamaya to release Her illusory hold on Vishnu, Brahma is able to bring Vishnu to aid him in killing two demons, Madhu and Kaitabh, who have manifested from Vishnu's sleeping form. Shri Ramakrishna often spoke of Mother Maya and combined deep Hindu allegory with the
idea that Maya is a lesser reality that must be overcome so that one is
able to realize his or her true Self.
Shakti Peeths
There are 51 important centres of Shakti worship located in the
Indian sub-continent, most of which are located in India but some in
neighbouring Bangladesh, Nepal, Tibet and even Pakistan. These are
called Shakti Peethas.
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