Shaktism, a sect of Hinduism, places great emphasis on the worship of the Divine Mother, also known as Shakti. In this tradition, the Divine Mother is seen as the ultimate source of all creation and the embodiment of divine energy and power. However, this does not mean that the masculine deities are seen as inferior or less important. In fact, Shaktism recognizes the importance of balance and harmony between the masculine and feminine energies in the universe.

According to Shaktism, the Divine Mother is the ultimate form of energy, known as Prakriti, and all other deities are manifestations or aspects of her. This includes male deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. They are seen as her consorts or partners, with whom she engages in a divine dance of creation, preservation, and destruction.

In Shaktism, the relationship between the Divine Mother and the masculine deities is one of equality and mutual respect. The Divine Mother is not seen as subservient to the male deities, but rather as their equal and counterpart. This is reflected in the various mythological stories and scriptures where the male deities seek the help and guidance of the Divine Mother in their endeavors.

One of the main ways in which Shaktism views the relationship between the Divine Mother and the masculine deities is through the concept of Ardhanarishvara. This is a composite form of Shiva and Parvati, where half of the body is male and the other half is female. This symbolizes the idea of perfect balance and unity between the masculine and feminine energies. It also highlights the idea that the Divine Mother and the male deities are inseparable and complement each other.

Furthermore, the Divine Mother is often depicted as a fierce and powerful deity, representing the strength and courage of the feminine energy. This is in contrast to the male deities who are often depicted as calm and peaceful. This shows that both energies are necessary for the functioning of the universe and that they complement each other in their own unique ways.

In conclusion, Shaktism views the relationship between the Divine Mother and the masculine deities as one of balance, equality, and mutual respect. The Divine Mother is seen as the ultimate source of energy and the male deities are seen as her counterparts and partners in the cosmic dance of creation. This perspective highlights the importance of both masculine and feminine energies in the universe and emphasizes the need for harmony between them.