REIMAGINING SHAKTI: Beyond Temples, Into Our Daily Lives

Shakti—the Sanskrit word for power or energy—is described in Indian philosophy as the force that makes the universe move. Often personified as the goddess Devi, without her, there is no creation, no transformation, no life.

This month, during Navratri, Hindus around the world turn their attention to Shakti, honouring her through nine nights of devotion to Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati—the trinity of goddesses who embody strength, abundance, and wisdom. But Shakti is not just a deity to be worshipped; she is a reminder of the feminine energy that flows through all of us.

So, what does it really mean to celebrate feminine energy, especially in today’s world, where gender norms are being questioned, redefined, and sometimes resisted?

In Indian philosophy, feminine energy is not about biology. Shakti is the creative force that animates the universe. Without Shakti, even Shiva—consciousness itself—is inert. This is why Hindu art often depicts them together as Ardhanarishvara, half man and half woman, reminding us that wholeness comes from the union of masculine and feminine.

This is not a uniquely Indian concept. Taoism speaks of Yin, which is the dark, cool, nurturing principle that balances Yang, its bright, active counterpart. In Christianity, the Virgin Mary represents divine compassion and grace, offering a maternal presence. Even in indigenous traditions across the world, Mother Earth is revered as the giver of life, reminding us that creation itself is a feminine act.

Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the feminine principle was reduced to a symbol rather than a lived reality. Many cultures, including our own, learned to revere the goddess while silencing women, to offer flowers at the temple but ignore the imbalance outside it. Navratri, then, is an opportunity not just for devotion but for recalibration—a chance to reawaken the qualities of Shakti in our daily lives.

Feminine energy is not limited to women. It exists in all of us, regardless of gender. It is the energy of intuition, empathy, creativity, and flow. It is receptive but not passive, nurturing yet powerful. When out of balance, masculine energy becomes rigid and controlling, while feminine energy can become chaotic or suppressed. The invitation of Navratri is to bring them back into harmony.

This is particularly relevant in today’s social climate, where conversations around mental health, equality, and revised models of leadership are encouraging men, too, to access their “softer” side. From corporate boardrooms to family tables, we are realising that compassion and collaboration, traditionally seen as “feminine” traits, are not weaknesses but strengths.

Navratri’s nine nights can be seen as a journey through these layers of feminine power. We begin with Durga, who represents courage and the removal of negativity. Then we move to Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance and prosperity—not just material wealth, but the richness of gratitude and generosity. We conclude with Saraswati, who embodies wisdom, clarity, and the ability to speak one’s truth. Together, the goddesses form a roadmap for inner growth: first, we clear, then we receive, and finally, we express.

Feminine energy is not a concept to be worshipped from a distance. It is something to be embodied every day. And perhaps that is the most radical way to honour the goddess—not just during these nine nights, but in every choice we make thereafter.