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Jai
Mata di - Shakti |
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In Hinduism, Shakti is an aspect of
Devi, and a personification of God as the Divine Mother who represents
the active, dynamic principles of feminine power. In Shaktism, Shakti
is worshiped as the Supreme Being.
Alternatively, in other Hindu traditions, Shakti represents the
power of God, called Vishnu or Shiva. For Vaishnavites, God's power
or Shakti is Lakshmi. For Shaivites, God's power is Parvati.
The word Shakti is used in a variety
of ways ranging from its use as a way of signifying the ultimate
primordial creative power, to expressing the capacity or power of
words to convey meaning. Etymologically it is derived from the root
'shak,' meaning potency or the potential to produce, an assertion
of Her inherent creative aptitude.
All interpretations of the word 'shakti'
hold common one parameter, namely power. Specifically, Shakti means
power, force and feminine energy. She represents the fundamental
creative instinct underlying the cosmos, and is the energizing force
of all divinity, of every being and every thing. Devotees believe
the whole universe to be a manifestation of Shakti, who is also
known by her general name Devi, from the Sanskrit root 'div' which
means to shine.
In the Hindu scripture 'Devi Mahatmyam',
Mahamaya (Great Maya) is said to cover Vishnu's eyes in Yoganidra
(Divine Sleep) during cycles of existence when all is resolved into
one. By exhorting Mahamaya to release Her illusory hold on Vishnu,
Brahma is able to bring Vishnu to aid him in killing two demons,
Madhu and Kaitabh, who have manifested from Vishnu's sleeping form.
Shri Ramakrishna often spoke of Mother Maya and combined deep Hindu
allegory with the idea that Maya is a lesser reality that must be
overcome so that one is able to realize his or her true Self.
The Shakti goddess is also known as
Amma(means mother) in soth India especially in Tamilnadu and Andhrapradesh
states. There are many temples devoted to various incarnations of
Shakti goddess in most of the villages in south India. The rural
people believe that Shakti is the protector of the village, the
punisher of evil people, the curer of diseases, and the one who
gives welfare to the village. They celebrate Shakti Jataras with
a lot of hue and great interest once a year. Some examples of incarnations
are Gangamma, Kamakshamma, kanakadurga, Mahalakshmammma, Meeenakshamma,
Poleramma and Perantalamma. |
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