Shakti is the Divine Energy, also called as Parvati, Sati, Adi Parashakti, Devi, Mahadevi, Durga and Kali. In Hinduism she is called, ‘The Great Divine Mother’. She is also called, ‘The Greatest Delusion’ or the Mahaamaya.

Her consort is Shiva and sibling is Vishnu. In Sanskrit literature, Shakti means effort, energy, power, ability, strength and capability all of which are the primordial cosmic energy representing dynamic forces that move through the whole universe. Shaktism especially is the main tradition in Hinduism.

The goddess is a personification of sustaining and creative energy which at times is destructive. Shakti is Anaadi (having no beginning or ending) and she is Nitya (forever). As a form of energy she manifests in all forms of gravitational energy, matter, potential energy, thermal energy, etc. As per Hindu belief she makes the Universe (Srishti) and takes up responsibility of creation and is an agent of all change. As Kundalini Shakti, her cosmic existence is a mysterious psycho-spiritual force.

Shakti Goddess is revered as a Supreme Being in Shaktism. Shiva’a active dynamic energy is embodied by Shakti. She is identified with Parvati or Tripura Sundari, synonymously. In Southern India, Shakti is called as ‘Amma’. A number of temples are devoted to her incarnations in many villages in Southern India. People in rural India believe that Shakti is who guarantees welfare and protects the village and punishes evil people. Shakti Jataras are celebrated in the deity’s name each year, with great interest by the people.