What Is Shakti?

Written by: Faye Martins
Published on: March 30, 2012
Category: Vedic Studies

Shakti is a Hindu term that refers both to feminine divine energy and a goddess. The definition of shakti means sacred empowerment. Shakti is the sacred primordial dynamic energy that pulsates throughout the universe. Shakti is also the Hindu personification of the divine feminine energy that animates all living things. Shakti is known as the divine mother in Hinduism. She is not only an agent of creation, she is also a catalyst for change. Shakti is said to exist independently, while being interdependent with the entire cosmos.

The Goddess Shakti is also know as Lord Shiva's consort. It is said that unless Shakti and Shiva unite, the potential of the universe is nullified. A wonderful story out of Hindu mythology that illustrates this point is as follows. One day, in a remote mountainous area of India, Shankaracharya refused to believe in the existence of Shakti. He adamantly only prayed to Lord Shiva. A few days later, he was completely spent, without any energy at all. He lay down on the ground like a dead man. He was unable to move at all. He was quite dismayed because he was a great devotee of Lord Shiva.