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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 Lakshmi. 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.

The Shakti goddess is also known as Amma (meaning 'mother') in south India, especially in Tamilnadu and Andhrapradesh states. There are many temples devoted to various incarnations of the Shakti goddess in most of the villages in south India. The rural people believe that Shakti is the protector of the village, the punisher of evil people, the curer of diseases, and the one who gives welfare to the village. They celebrate Shakti Jataras with a lot of hue and great interest once a year. Some examples of incarnations are Gangamma, Kamakshamma, Kanakadurga, Mahalakshmammma, Meeenakshamma, Poleramma and Perantalamma.

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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