What is Shaktism?
- Shaktism is a major branch of Hinduism that focuses on the worship of the divine feminine, represented by the goddess Devi in various forms. Shaktism holds that the ultimate reality is a divine feminine power, or shakti, that is responsible for creation, maintenance, and destruction of the universe.
- The Devi is worshipped in her many forms, including Durga, Kali, Parvati, and Saraswati. Devi is considered to be the supreme deity, and is often worshipped along with her male counterpart, Shiva. Shaktism emphasizes the active and creative aspects of the divine, and places a strong emphasis on the power of spiritual practices such as mantra, meditation, and yoga to help individuals achieve enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
- Shaktism has had a significant influence on Indian culture, particularly in the fields of art, music, and literature. Many famous Indian texts, such as the Devi Mahatmya and the Lalita Sahasranama, are dedicated to the worship of the Devi in her various forms. The practice of tantra, which emphasizes the use of spiritual practices to access the power of the divine, is also closely associated with Shaktism.