Shaktism is a subdivision of Hinduism that esteems Adi Shakti as the Ultimate actuality. Some would say that this seems to be totally distinct spiritual custom and the motive for this is its antique past. Most primeval beliefs revered a mother goddess. The benefactor of life, Mother Earth or Mother Nature.
Adi Shakti is much more than merely this. There is more metaphysical foundation to the thoughtful understanding of Adi Shakti as not just another Mother figure but as the vigour and energy that exist in all and everybody. From my modest consideration of modern physics, we cloak our crania around two possessions. Matter and energy. Adi Shakti is this vigour and energy. And as Einstein predicted, energy is more ancient and matter is a indicator of this same energy.
Adi Shakti is the originator, protector and slayer. She infuses most Hindu descriptions including those of the Trimurti – Creator, Preserver and Destroyer. The male divinities are seen to be imperfect without their female counterparts. Vishnu is incomplete without Lakshmi. Shiva is seen to become a recluse without Sati. Brahma loses relevance without Saraswati. Therefore, the energy that moves the Trimurti are the female counter equilibria.
Lakshmi stands for generosity and prosperity, whereas Sati and Parvati for passion and courage and Saraswati for knowledge and wisdom. I would therefore not agree that Shaktism is a different practice altogether. It is at the core of all methods of Hinduism.
Though we worship human like deities, the actual celestial is more powerful in the abstract form shown in an outline of intersecting triangles, called the Sri Chakra or Sri Yantra. The Sri Chakra has its ancestries in the Upanishads that are the keystone of Hinduism and Vedanta.
As a Bengali, born and brought up in Maharashtra, I have observed the worship of Ambe Mata and Goddess Durga from very close quarters. I want to lay stress on the fact that this is not some equalist feminist philosophy or an independent religion. While growing up I have heard some so-called cultured people commenting on Shaktism as some fringe (tantric) exercise that is called dark act. These undesirable views of Shaktism were I presume due to the effect of western philosophy. It perceives that womanlike is something that needs to be disciplined and controlled.
As a devout Hindu I have faith that Hinduism which has lasted times has a more composed perception. Shaktism comprises the reverence of the female celestial. Shakti means energy, and it includes the conversion of a specific system of vigour into a state of deferment. This was the pathway followed by the holy saints to achieve the state of Samadhi.
In the Chola period, the priests of the Pallavas worshipped Parvati or Kali as the Goddess. But the worshippers in many parts were supplanted by the male-controlled beliefs. We can see that only in Eastern India like Bengal, Assam mainly, the feminine deities were worshipped. Reverence of the mother celestial is the oldest form of worship known to individuals in almost every primeval philosophy across the world. Varieties of it linger to exist in current faiths.
The Shakti Sampradaya has basically three main factions, Kaadi Vidya, Haadi Vidya and Saadi Vidya. This was as per the innovative Tantra system. Further division was seen as per the Gunas into Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic. Shakti sadhana was predominant even before the Vedas came into existence, but we decode that the Vedas also declared Shakti as mother of all gods and we see the Tripuropnishad, Mahalakshmi Upanishad, Kaula Upanishad, Kalika Upanishad and many more devoted to the worship of Shakti.
Adi Shakti is the Goddess of Vigor, Authority, Strength, Motherliness, Devoutness. She is Parvati. Adi Shakti is known by names such as Durga, Kali, Sati, Matangi, Tara, Bhuvneshwari, Katyayani, Mahamaya etc. They also know her as Mahadevi, Parameshwari and Shivani, the celestial counterpart of Shiva
It is not tough to identify Shakti. Shakti is continuously everywhere around you. Take an example of your mother who is one form of Shakti, your wife, sister or daughter are other forms of Shakti.
Every female Goddess that we perceive in Hindu religion are illustrations of this form of Shakti and its manifestation on earth to revere them in an exclusive way. The ten hands of Ma Durga signify her forte as manifestation of Shakti. The weapons represent the terminating power she owns. This is not the real weapons.
They represent her unique divine power to kill the adversaries which we carry in our mind like Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moh and Irsha. She kills all these adversaries in her disciples who worship her with belief and devoutness.
The weapons in her hand represent the characters of Human behaviour which every individual needs to possess to do away with any evil coming your way.
The Vajra symbolizes firmness of character, determination and supreme power and gifted by Lord Indra.
The Sudarshan Chakra symbolizes the centre of creation, the sphere of life, which keeps on revolving till we are alive and presented by Lord Vishnu.
Dhanush Baan, is the combination of potential and Kinetic powers symbolizing energy and gifted by Lord Vayu.
The Club or Axe is to kill the evil feelings or cravings and presented by Yama Raj.
The Bell (Ghanta) was presented to Devi by Airavat the Vahan of Lord Indra as the Dwani of the bell decreases the strength of Asuras.
The Lotus is the symbol of Lord Brahma and represents wisdom and liberation through knowledge.
The Sankha or conch is the symbol of primordial sound of creation, AUM and gifted by God Varuna.
The tenth hand of Devi Durga has representations showing one hand empty in blessing but is actually supposed to hold a snake gifted by Lord Sheshanag and symbolizes consciousness and masculine energy.
The Khanda (sword) represents the cosmic intelligence which is symbolized as Lord Ganesha.
The Trishul (Trident) describes the three Gunas namely, Tamas, Rajas and Sattva and given by Lord Shiva.
Her Vahana THE LION shows that Ma Durga rules the existence and also signifies that one should keep one’s powers in control and allow it to rise only when required.
WHAT IS SHAKTI?
She cannot be limited
For she is always flowing
Surpassing struggle
Surpassing attachments
She is unrestricted
And so are you
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