Religions & Spiritual Traditions  Shaktism FAQs  FAQ
What is the central belief of Shaktism regarding the Divine Mother or Shakti?

Shaktism holds that the Divine Mother, or Shakti, isn’t just one more deity among many but the very backbone of existence—the dynamic energy that births, sustains, and ultimately dissolves the entire cosmos. Everything in creation, from the tiniest atom to the grand sweep of galaxies, flows from her infinite power and intelligence. In a nutshell, she’s both the canvas and the painter, the melody and the musician.

Key ideas at play:

• Ultimate Reality as Feminine Energy
Shakti transcends gender stereotypes. Far from being a lesser counterpart to a male god, she is the source from which even the masculine principle springs.

• Immanence and Transcendence
She dwells within every heartbeat, every breath—and yet remains beyond all form. Whether worshiped as Durga driving out demons or softly cradling the world as Lalita Tripurasundari, her essence never wavers.

• Active, Transformative Force
Rather than a passive observer, the Divine Mother is always at work. Think of her as the cosmic engine revving up evolution, creativity, and spiritual awakening.

• Personal and Social Empowerment
In today’s world—where movements like the 2025 Women’s History Month celebrations and global conversations on gender equality are front and center—Shakti’s message resonates like a clarion call: divine power isn’t only lofty theology but an invitation to tap inner strength, compassion, and resilience.

• Rituals and Practices
Devotees might chant mantras like “Om Aim Hrim Klim Chamundaye Viche,” meditate on her yantra, or honor her through vibrant festivals such as Durga Puja, which lit up Kolkata’s streets just this past October.

Seen through a modern lens, Shaktism isn’t merely about age-old rituals; it’s a dynamic framework for recognizing that the sacred feminine pulse beats at the heart of both the universe and individual transformation. Ultimately, Shakti’s worship is an ever-unfolding journey into the wellspring of creative power that moves all existence.