Shaktismi

Shaktism is one of the major traditions of Hinduism, alongside Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Smartism. It is distinguished by its focus on the goddess Devi as the supreme being, the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe. In Shaktism, the divine feminine is revered as the ultimate reality, often referred to by various names such as Mahadevi, Shakti, or the Great Mother.

The core tenet of Shaktism is the belief that Shakti, the divine energy or power, is the fundamental principle of the cosmos. This energy is personified in the goddess, who is seen as the active force behind creation and existence. Different goddesses are worshipped within Shaktism, each representing various aspects of the divine feminine. Prominent among these are Durga, the warrior goddess who combats evil; Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity; Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts; and Kali, the fierce goddess associated with time, change, and destruction.

Practices in Shaktism can vary widely, encompassing devotional worship, meditation, yoga, and the study of sacred texts. Tantric practices are also a significant element within some Shakta traditions, involving rituals, mantras, and visualization techniques aimed at spiritual transformation and the realization of the divine. The philosophy often emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things through the cosmic energy of the goddess and seeks liberation (moksha) through devotion and understanding of the divine feminine. Shakta temples are found throughout India and the world, dedicated to various forms of the goddess.