shakti
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Definition
Noun 1. The female or generative principle in Hindu theology; a personification of divine feminine creative power. In Hinduism, Shakti represents the dynamic, active energy that is the essential force of creation, sustenance, and transformation in the universe. It is considered the feminine aspect of the divine. 2. A benevolent manifestation of the goddess Devi; the wife of the god Shiva. In this context, Shakti is worshipped as a supreme goddess in her own right, often depicted as the consort of Shiva. Together, they represent the union of consciousness (Shiva) and energy (Shakti).
Usage Examples
- As the creative principle:
- In Hindu philosophy, shakti is the fundamental energy that brings the universe into being.
- The concept of shakti is central to understanding the balance of male and female principles in the cosmos.
- As a goddess:
- Devotees gathered at the temple to worship the goddess Shakti.
- Many forms of Devi, such as Parvati and Durga, are considered manifestations of Shakti.
Advanced Usage
- Shaktism: This term refers to a major tradition within Hinduism that focuses on the worship of Shakti as the supreme, ultimate divinity. A follower of this path is a .
- Kundalini Shakti: In yogic philosophy, this is the primal cosmic energy believed to lie coiled at the base of the spine. Spiritual practices aim to awaken this and raise it through the body's energy centers.
Variants and Related Words
- Shakta (noun): An adherent of Shaktism; a worshipper of Shakti.
- Shaktism (noun): The Hindu sect or doctrine that venerates Shakti as the absolute being.
Synonyms
- Divine feminine energy
- Creative power
- Devi (as a general term for goddess)
- Cosmic energy
Related Concepts and Terms
- Prakriti: In Samkhya philosophy, this is the fundamental material nature of the universe, often associated with the feminine creative principle, similar to .
- Maya: The divine power of illusion and manifestation, sometimes described as a form of .
- Consort: Shakti is famously the of Shiva. Other goddesses are consorts to their respective gods (e.g., Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu).
Noun
- the female or generative principle; wife of Siva and a benevolent form of Devi