Other Definitions
shakti (dict)
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Shakti - This article is about the Hindu religious concept. For other meanings of the word see Shakti (disambiguation).
In most South Asian languages, Shakti translates literally as power. 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. Alternatively, Shakti represents the power of God, who is in Hinduism is Vishnu or Shiva. For Vaishnavites, God's power or Shakti is Yogamaya. For Shaivites, God's power is Parvati. Ramakrishna Paramhansa was a prominent worshipper of Shakti and was a Shakta. 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. See also:
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