Shakti (the Great Goddess)
Shakti is Mahā-Devī (the Great Goddess). Just as Shiva represents the supreme male principle, Shakti represents the supreme female principle, and the two are inseparable.
Ultimate Reality is One, but within that Oneness is the primal duality of Shiva and Shakti. Shiva is pure silent consciousness, whereas Shakit is pure dynamic matter (the universe). Other names for this duality are Brahman and Māyā, or Purusha and Prakriti.
On the Salvation page, we recommend the mantra “Shivāya namaḥ – Shaktyai namaḥ“, which invokes both Shiva and Shakti, and supports a balance of male and female, silence and dynamism, spirit and matter.
Shakti (Mahadevi, the great goddess) has many names and forms. Some of the best known are: Lakṣmi, Sarasvati, Durgā, Kāli, Māyā, Pārvati, and Chandikā. All of these goddesses have their own spheres of influence and can be worshipped for specific purposes. In the future we will list some of the characteristics of these goddesses and the mantras by which they are worshipped. (See Wikipedia for articles on each of these goddesses.)
If one seeks Shakti’s Protection, the most popular stotra is the “Devi Kavacha”. You can derive great benefit (such as improved health) just by listening to the recited text. Here is the stotra chanted by renowned pundit Rajagopal Thiagarajan:
If you are unable to stream this video, you can listen to the audio-only MP3 file: Devi Kavacha Stotra. In the future we will provide a translation and more information.
Shiva Boons and Salvation 