Sakti, also spelled as Shakti, is a Sanskrit term commonly used in Hinduism to refer to the divine feminine energy or power. It is a fundamental concept in Hindu philosophy, particularly in the Shakta tradition, which worships the goddess as the supreme divine power.
Derived from the Sanskrit root 'sak', meaning 'to be able or capable', sakti is considered to be the active, creative, and dynamic force that sustains and animates the entire universe. It is regarded as the feminine counterpart and cosmic force that complements the male aspect of divinity, representing the passive and receptive elements.
Sakti is often associated with the goddess Devi or the primordial cosmic mother, who manifests herself in various forms such as Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The term also encompasses aspects such as fertility, creativity, nurturing, protection, and destruction.
In Hindu philosophy, sakti plays a central role in the divine hierarchy, as the ultimate force that empowers the gods and goddesses, and also confers spiritual and material blessings upon devotees. Sakti is believed to manifest in both gentle and fierce forms, representing both benevolence and power.
The worship of sakti involves rituals, devotional practices, and the recitation of sacred prayers and mantras, aimed at accessing and awakening the innate divine power within oneself. It is believed that through the cultivation of sakti, individuals can attain spiritual liberation and union with the supreme consciousness.
