Questions tagged [shakti]
Shakti is the feminine form of the Divine worshipped as Parvati, Lakshmi, Saraswati and many other forms.
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Who are Pancha brahmas' Lalita Devi sits on and Why are they called so?
Lalita Sahasranama(the thousand names of Lalitha tripura Sundari) is a hymn found in the Uttara Khanda of Brahmanda Purana. In the Lalitha sahasranama, one of the names is
Pañcabrahmāsanasthitā
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Why does Lalitha Devi sit on Shiva?
Is Shiva really the āsana for Lalitha Devi? How to understand this? Who is her consort? If Shiva is her consort, why did she make him an āsana?
Also, what is pancha bramha āsana's significance? Who ...
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What bodies (Koshas or layers) do Devas, Trimurthis and their Shaktis (consorts) have?
The two questions What are Five Layers (Pancha Kosha) of Human? and Where does a Soul attached to the Body? explain various koshas (Sheaths) of human body. Trimurthi and their respective Shaktis are ...
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What are the different branches of Shaktism?
There are many different sects in Hinduism,like Vaishnavism,Shaivaism and Shaktism.Some sects,like Vaishnavism and Shaivaism,have different branches like Gaudiya Vaishnavism,which glorifies Krishna ...
user4627
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Is there any hierarchy for Devi's incarnations?
In this question's answer, the hierarchies of Lord Vishnu's incarnations are listed.
Is there a similar hierarchy for Devi's incarnations? If yes, what is that hierarchy?
user4627
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How can I start Tantra sAdhnA? Which all are the scriptures I need to study to have in-depth knowledge?
I am interested in Tantric sAdhnA and first I need to study the Tantric scriptures in detail. I have studied yogA-VedAnta and Buddhism in detail also mahAmUdrA and dzogchen path (only studied, though.)...
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Why did Shiva and Adishakti have to separate to create the universe?
Many Puranas reference the separation of Shiva and Adishakti in order to create the universe. Adishakti then took many forms (Sati, Parvati, etc.) and each time married Shiva, so they can be united ...
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Who is vAk (the speech) in Rig Veda 10:125?
The Rig Veda hymn 10:125 tells about the supreme Goddess. So is this hymn addressed to Goddess DurgA or the female power Of Universe (Shakti) Or vAk (वाक्), the speech? Who is vAk Goddess described ...
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Why we see Goddess Durga sometimes sitting on a tiger and sometimes on a lion?
I don't know why we see Goddess Durga sometimes sitting on a lion and sometimes on a tiger? Which animal was actually Durga's mount (vahana)? Is it Tiger or Lion?
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How are gods and goddesses such as Shiva and Shakti seen in the Vaishnava sampradayas?
How is Shakti/the consort of Shiva (including her various forms such as Kali, Durga, Parvati, Tara, etc.) seen in the various Vaishnava sampradayas?
I have read that, since she is the chaste stri of ...
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Importance of Chinnamasta Sadhana
In which avastha/bhaava does Chinnamasta falls? Does it belong to Srividya Krama?
Its heard that, people should not go for this Sadhana for "getting things done" --experiencing materialistic pleasures!...
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Why third eye is vertically placed?
I am bit curious to understand why is the third eye in Shiva/Shakti depicted vertically not horizontally like the other two eyes, is there any specific reason/logic behind that or is it just ...
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Why is Lord Shiva always worshiped alongwith Shakti and never alone?
Lord Shiva is distinct from other Gods primarily because he is always worshiped not as an idol but in an abstract form of a Lingam .
Secondarily, He is always worshiped along with Goddess Shakti (...
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Who is oldest form of God to be worshipped?
Who is the oldest form of god to be worshipped? Is it Lord Siva or Lord Vishnu or Goddess Shakthi?
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Is there an official list of Shaktipeeths?
Is there an official list of Shaktipeeths? If yes, please provide the list and source.
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How many Devi Sahasranamas are there in scriptures?
How many Sahasranamas dedicated to Devi are there in scriptures?
user28929
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Chamunda mantra chanting benefits
What are the benefits of chanting the Chamunda mantra
aim hrim klim ....
whether this can be used as a protector mantra from evil effects or give response to those who do bad things?
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Are there sects for Lakshmi or Saraswati?
There are many sects in Hinduism: Shaivas, Vaishnas and Ganapatyas, to name a few. For the Goddess, there are Shaktas. However, obviously, Shaktas are only glorifying Shakti, the wife of Shiva, more ...
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Is the form of Devi complete in herself? Does she need Purusha to become complete?
All Puranas and speeches from different devotees made me super confusing.
I only want to think as Devitatva as Supreme Parabrahman. Are there scriptures which say that Devitatva is supreme? I'm ...
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What is the concept or History behind Shakti Ganapati?
Shakti Ganapati is a concept wherein Ganesha is accompanied along with Shakti.
There are some modern temples especially in Southern India, which attribute Shakti as wife of Ganapati.
Even, the ...
user808
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When and why did Shiva take Arthanārīśvara form?
The Arthanārīśvara form of śiva is quite famous. It depicts the equality of Male and female energy in the universe. There is also a hymn dedicated to Arthanārīśvara form called Arthanārīśvara stotram ...
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who is Goddess TArA
Who is Goddess TArA.
Though I heard about HER as one of the Dasa mahavidyas, whats the significance of HER moolamantra and dhyana and upasana as far as our materialistic life is concerned.
Also,I ...
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Significance/ Allowability and examples of adding the Pranava against deities’ names
So as per the Skanda Purana, Śaṁkara Saṁhitā, Śivarahasya khaṇḍa, Skanda as a teacher describes the meaning of the Pranava to Lord Shiva, as his student as:
सुब्रह्मण्यों स्वरस्यार्थस्त्वं चाहं च सदा...
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Can someone give translation to Arya Durga Ashtakam?
This is the Arya Durga Ashtakam-
Arya Durga Ashtakam
Kindly give its translation.
user9392
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Who are Gramadevathas found especially in South India?
Common names of these Gramadevathas are Ankamma, Poleramma etc.
What is their relation to Lord Shiva?
Can we Worship Lord Shiva along with Gramadevathas? See this blog.
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What's the relationship between Durga and Shakti?
From what I read online both Durga and Shakti represent the female principle. What's the difference between them?
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Are there Mandalas in Trika Shaivism (like in Tantra Buddhism)?
For example, Lord NilaLohita is surrounded by different forms of Rudra like Bhava, Sarva, Pashupati, Rudra, Mahadeva, and Ishana in different directions in Atharvaveda Vratya Sukta (chapter 15).
Are ...
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Who is Adi Parashakthi? Is this the creator of the Trimurtis?
Paramatma is said to be one is Eternal,Formless and etc,... Source of Creation.
We also know Adi Parashakthi and is said to be the Divine Mother and source of Energy.
Also said to be Creator of ...
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Why people of Bengal worship Durga also during Basanti Puja?
There is a festival in Bengal region named Basanti Puja in which Bengali people worship Goddess Durga but why they worship Maa Durga in Basanti Puja also,whereas they have time to worship Goddess ...
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Is Ashapuri Maa mentioned in any scripture?
We can see temples of Ashapuri Maa at piplav and kutch (mata no madh)
As name suggest Ashapuri Maa fullfills desires of person.
Wikipedia says Ashapuri Maa is expansion of Shakambhari devi.
Is there ...
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Does the 'Red-dot' Tilaka of the Śāktas (शाक्त) have any name?
For Instance:
The name of the Tilaka worn by the Śaivas (शैव) is Tripuṇḍra Tilaka (त्रिपुण्ड्र-तिलक).
The name of the Tilaka worn by the Vaiṣṇavas (वैष्णव) is Ūrdhvapuṇḍra Tilaka (ऊर्ध्वपुण्ड्र-तिलक)...
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What is the symbolic meaning behind the siva-sakthi triangle?
What is the symbolic meaning behind the siva-sakthi triangle?
I know there are several variations of symbols that can represent her, but what does this upside-down triangle with the dot in the ...
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what is Samayachara? (I have read it in relation to 'Shri Vidya')
I have come across the term 'Samayachara' but not sure what is it. (Read it in relation to 'Shri Vidya').
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Closeness with spouse/family among the Trimurti
I am asking this question purely on a pictorial stance.
Lord Brahma (And Mother Saraswati):
Picture of both of them closest that I got is this:
Now to Lord Vishnu:
Here is a relatively more close ...
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Explanation of the terms Pinda, Pada, Rüpa and the Rūpātīta
In Ullasa 13 of Kaularnava Tantra, verse 76, Shree Shiva says to Shree Devi one of the characteristics of Guru:
पिण्डं पदं तथा रूपं रूपातीतं चतुष्टयम यो वा सम्यग्विजानाति स गुरुः कथितः प्रिये ।। ७६ ।।...
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What happens to the Idols in Temples at end of Kalpa as Rudra destroys Bhuloka at end of Kalpa?
Please don't get offended and i'm just curious. According to Skanda Purana, Goddess Sati self immolated in Swayamabhuva Manvanatara of Pitri Kalpa. She was born again as Parvathi Devi at beginning of ...
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Is complete list of Demons sequentially killed by Devi as per Devi mahatyam available?
Is there Full/complete sequential list of Demons that were killed by Devi and which devi swarupam killed which demon as per Devi mahatyam? Why only Devi had to kill the demons? Why not trimurthis not ...
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Who is Bagalamukhi?
Is Bagalamukhi Parvati's different incarnation or other form of Sakthi? Which scriptures or Puranas has the story of Bagalamukhi?
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What is the significance of ह्रीं HRIM beej mantra?
I have seen the reference of ह्रीं at multiple mantras.
What is the exact significance of this mantra and how powerful is this?
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Who are chamunda and chandika?
Who is Chamunda and Chandika? Are they separate entities? I recently read Durga prayers, so I guess Chandika is incarnation of durgamata. and Ravana asked boon from arvatimata to protect lanka as ...
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Could someone perhaps direct me to info regarding Smashan Kali & Guhya Kali?
I'm looking for scriptural info about Guhya Kali and Smashan Kali with translations if possible (Yogini Tantra and the like.) As in what the Tantra background/stories are for these forms of Kali, and ...
user27626
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Ninefold devotion? [duplicate]
In 39th verse, 17th Ullasah of Kaularnava Tantra, Shiva defines Purana to divine mother:
पुण्यपापादिकथनादाक्षसादिनिवारणात् ।
नवभक्त्यादिजननात् पुराण इति कथ्यते ।। ३६।।
Purana: Because it tells of ...
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Who is Tripura Sundari? [duplicate]
I am from Tripura.Our (unofficial) state goddess is Tripura Sundari devi.
Due to the similarity in appearance, people of our state think that she is an another form of Kali.
But Wikipedia says that ...
user9176
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Representation of Shakti in Hindu Iconography
why in numerous Hindu depictions is the "shakti" of a god often depicted on the god's knees or lap?
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Is there a written Aghori/Aghor Shastra or are teachings based purely on guru-shishya transmission?
If there are shastra that are specific to Aghora can you please name it or them? I know Aghoris have their own mantras but I don't know if they are written down and based purely on memory.
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Why are bali/sacrifices of non-Asuric animals & humans so satisfying to Kaali Mata?
The most common sacrifice is the goat and the Buffalo/Mahisha is the second most common. Both are Asuric. Kali maa loves to receive the sacrifice of Asuras of any kind.
Do lion & tiger also have ...
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What is the story of Sri shankar purushottam teertha?
Famous guru in the siddha yoga line of sri narAyaNa tIrtha
What was his life story and teaching
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If Sati's body was fully burned, then how 51 shaktipeeth came into existence?
I have read that (according to Shiva Purana) Sati's body was turned into ashes.
6-7. She desired to cast-off her body due to her anger with Dakṣa. She desired to burn off the body and retain the ...
user17603
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What was Madhvacharya's argument against the Shaktas?
As I discuss in this question, by far the most popular school of Hindu philosophy is the Vedanta school, which bases its tenets on the doctrines laid out in the Brahma Sutras, a work by the sage Vyasa ...
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WHY DO EVERY INDIAN GIRLS DESIRE A HUSBAND LIKE LORD SHIVA?
Why Lord Shiva is treated as ideal husband material by Indian women. Why Every unmarried Girls dream to have a Husband like Mahadeva for an example in our area they do 16 Somvaar Vrat, Shivratri Vrat ...
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