Shakti facts for kids
Shakti (pronounced Shahk-tee) is a very important idea in Hinduism. It means "energy," "power," or "strength." Imagine the basic energy that makes everything in the universe move and happen – that's Shakti! It's seen as the force that creates, keeps things going, and can even bring about change or destruction.
Sometimes, Shakti is called "Adi Shakti" or "Adi Para Shakti," meaning the "First" or "Original" amazing energy. This energy shows up in many ways, like the heat from the sun, the power of gravity, or the energy in all matter around us. These are all thought to be different forms of the huge, endless Para Shakti. But her true form is a mystery, beyond what humans can fully understand. She is believed to have no beginning and no end, existing forever.
In a part of Hinduism called Shaktism, Adi Parashakti is worshipped as the Supreme Being, like the main God.
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The Beginning of Shakti Worship
People might have worshipped Shakti a very long time ago! A special stone found near the Son River, dating back to 9,000–8,000 BCE, is thought to be connected to Shakti. Also, the worship of Shiva and Shakti was common in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.
How Shakti Worship Grew
In South India, especially in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the Shakti goddess is often called Amma, which means "Mother." Many temples are built for different forms of the Shakti goddess in villages across South India.
People in these villages believe that Shakti protects their homes, punishes bad people, cures illnesses, and brings good fortune. They celebrate special festivals called Shakti Jataras once a year with great excitement. Some names for Shakti include Mahalakshmi, Parvati, Durga, and Mariamman.
Understanding Shaktism
Shaktism is a major tradition within Hinduism. In Shaktism, Devi (which means "the Goddess") is seen as the highest power, the Supreme Being itself. All other gods and goddesses are believed to be different ways that Devi shows herself.
People who follow Shaktism are called Shaktas. They focus most of their worship on Shakti. They see her as the active, feminine side of the Divine. Shiva, who is seen as the masculine side, is considered more peaceful and unchanging. So, Shiva's worship is usually secondary for Shaktas.
Shakti Peeths: Sacred Places
There are many special places of worship for Shakti called Shakti Peethas. These are spread across South Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh. According to some beliefs, there are four main Adi Shakti Pithas and a total of 51 Shakti centers. These places are considered very holy.
Here are some well-known Shakti Peethas:
- Hinglaj Mataji in Balochistan
- Tara Tarini in Brahmapur, Odisha
- Katyayani in Chattarpur, Delhi
- Kamakhya in Assam
- Kali at Kalighat in Kolkata, West Bengal
- Guhyeshwari Temple Devi in Kathmandu, Nepal
- Ambaji in Gujarat
- Vishalakshi Temple in Varanasi
- Jwalaji in Himachal
- Naina Devi Temple in Uttarakhand
Other important Shakti Peethas in Maharashtra include:
- Tuljapur (Jagdamba)
- Kolhapur (Mahalaxmi)
- Vani-Nashik (Saptashrungi)
- Mahurgadh (Renukamata)
Bhajans and Mantras
Many old devotional songs and chants are used to worship Shakti. These are found in Hindu and Sikh traditions. Chanting Sanskrit mantras is a common way to connect with the Divine Mother.
One famous chant is:
- Adi Shakti, Adi Shakti, Adi Shakti, Namo Namo!
- Sarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, Namo Namo!
- Prithum Bhagvati, Prithum Bhagvati, Prithum Bhagvati, Namo Namo!
- Kundalini Mata Shakti, Mata Shakti, Namo Namo!
This chant means:
- Primal Shakti, I bow to You!
- All-Encompassing Shakti, I bow to You!
- That through which the Divine Creates, I bow to You!
- Creative Power of the Kundalini, Mother of all Mother Power, To You I Bow!
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- — Yogi Bhajan
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Yogi Bhajan taught that chanting these words can help remove bad luck and empower people, especially women. He said, "When a woman chants the Kundalini Bhakti mantra, God clears the way. This is not a religion, it is a reality. Woman is not born to suffer, and woman needs her own power."
Images for kids
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Sri Guru Amritananda Nath Saraswati performing a special ritual called Navavarana Puja. This ritual is part of Srividya Tantric Shaktism and is happening at the Sahasrakshi Meru Temple in Devipuram, India.
See also
In Spanish: Sakti para niños
