sakti

Sakti, often rendered as Shakti, is a Sanskrit term meaning power, energy, or ability. In Hinduism, Śakti denotes the cosmic feminine energy that animates the universe. It is understood both as a general principle and as a personal goddess. In the Shaktism tradition, Śakti is revered as the supreme reality and the source of all creation. The relationship between Śakti and Śiva is described as complementary: Śakti provides dynamic force, while Śiva embodies pure consciousness; together they symbolize the unity of cosmic energy and consciousness. The concept encompasses various goddesses—Durga, Kali, Parvati, Lakshmi, Saraswati—each regarded as a form of Śakti and as manifestations of the divine feminine power.

Śakti derives from the Sanskrit root śak-, meaning “to be able.” In scriptural and devotional contexts, it denotes power, ability, and strength, both in humans and in the divine. Philosophically, Śakti is realized through ritual, mantra, and iconography that portray the goddess’s diverse aspects—from protective mother to fierce warrior. The tradition often uses terms such as Parā Śakti (supreme energy) and Adhi Śakti (primordial power). In various Hindu schools, worship centers on the primacy of the goddess, while others emphasize the unity of Śakti with Śiva as the essential energy of existence.

Beyond Hindu religious use, sakti is a common Malay-Indonesian word meaning powerful, potent, or magical. Expressions such as orang sakti (“a mystic or powerful person”) or tangan sakti (“powerful hands”) reflect everyday usage. The term also appears in popular culture and literature in Southeast Asia. In transliteration, both Shakti and Sakti are used, with spelling often guided by regional conventions.