Shakti
This article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2017) |
Shakti | |
---|---|
Shakti (
IAST: Śakti; lit. "Energy, ability, strength, effort, power, capability"[1]) is the fundamental cosmic energy and a central deity within Shaktism, a significant theological tradition of Hinduism. Representing dynamic forces that permeate the universe,[2] Shakti embodies feminine energy and is often depicted as the consort of Shiva.[3] In this tradition, Devi, the Goddess, is regarded as the Supreme Brahman herself, with all other divine forms seen as her manifestations. The worship of Shakti entails a diverse array of goddesses, including Durga, Kali, Parvati, and Tripura Sundari
, each representing unique facets of her power.
One of the central concepts is
Amman
embody her presence and are celebrated as protectors and providers in local communities.
Origins
Part of a series on |
Shaktism |
---|
Hinduism portal |
Shakti, the goddess, was found in a Paleolithic context in the
BCE.[4] The representation of Shakti in a stone is considered an early example of a yantra.[5] Kenoyer, part of the team that excavated the stone, considered that it was highly probable that the stone was associated with Shakti.[6]
Shaktism
Shaktism regards
Sanskrit: शक्त, Śakta, ), practitioners of Shaktism, focus most or all worship on Shakti, as the dynamic feminine aspect of the Supreme Divine.[7]
From Devi-Mahatmya:
By you this universe is borne,
By you this world is created,
Oh Devi, by you it is protected.[8]
From Shaktisangama Tantra:
Woman is the creator of the universe,
the universe is her form;
woman is the foundation of the world,
she is the true form of the body.
In woman is the form of all things,
of all that lives and moves in the world.
There is no jewel rarer than woman,
no condition superior to that of a woman.[9]
Adi Parashakti
Vaishnavas consider her to be Lakshmi, Shaivas consider her to be Parvati, Durga, Lalita and Kali, while Shaktas consider her to be Durga, Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshvari, and Kali. Author Helen T. Boursier says: "In Hindu philosophy, both Lakshmi and Parvati are identified with the great goddess—Mahadevi—and the Shakti or divine power".[10]
Smarta Advaita
In the
See also
- Ammavaru – Hindu goddess
- Iccha-shakti – Sanskrit term for willpower
- Kundalini – Form of divine energy in Hindu mysticism
- Mariamman – Hindu goddess of weather
- Mohini – Hindu goddess of enchantment, the only female avatar of Vishnu
- Prakṛti – Nature in Hinduism
- Purusha – Concept in Hindu philosophy
- Shakti Pitha– Shrines in Shaktism, goddess-focused Hinduism
- Tridevi – Trinity of chief goddesses in Hinduism
References
- ^ Monier-Williams, Monier. "Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary". University of Washington. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
śaktí f. power, ability, strength, might, effort, energy, capability
- ^ Datta, Reema; Lowitz, Lisa (2005). Sacred Sanskrit Words. Berkeley, CA: Stonebridge Press. p. 111.
- ^ Rosen, Steven (2006). Essential Hinduism. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers. p. 166.
- ISBN 9781134597987. Archivedfrom the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
- ISBN 9780791488904. Archivedfrom the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2020.
- S2CID 163969200.
- ^ Subramuniyaswami, p. 1211[full citation needed]
- ^ Klostermaier, Klaus K. (1989). A Survey of Hinduism. New York, NY: SUNY Press. pp. 261, 473 footnote [1].
- OCLC 560196442.
- ^ Boursier 2021, p. 30.
- ^ "[no title cited]". Himalayan Academy. Archived from the original on 13 March 2009. Retrieved 4 August 2008.
- ISBN 9780521438780.
- ^ Sanderson, Alexis. "The Saiva Age: The Rise And Dominance Of Saivism During The Early Medieval Period". In Genesis And Development of Tantrism, Edited By Shingo Einoo. Tokyo: Institute Of Oriental Culture, University Of Tokyo, 2009. Institute Of Oriental Culture Special Series, 23, pp. 276–277.
- ISBN 978-0754666387
Further reading
- Avalon, Arthur; Avalon, Ellen (1913). Hymns to the Goddess. London: Luzac & Co. – via Internet Archive.
- Avalon, Arthur (1953) [1922]. Hymn to Kali: Karpuradi Stotra. Madras: Ganesh & Co. – via Internet Archive.
- Harish, Ranjana; Harishankar, V. Bharathi (2003). Shakti: Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Women's Empowerment in India. New Delhi, IN: Rawat. ISBN 81-7033-793-3.
- McDaniel, June (2004). Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls: Popular Goddess Worship in West Bengal. Oxford University Press.
- Woodroffe, John (1918). Shakti and Shâkta: Essays and Addresses on the Shâkta Tantrashâstra. London: Luzac & Co. – via Internet Archive.
External links
Wikiquote has quotations related to Shakti.
- "Shakti". VedaBase. Listing of usage in Puranic literature. Archived from the original on 15 April 2009.