Shakti
(शक्ति)Literal Meaning
Divine feminine power
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
From Sanskrit 'shak' — to be able, to have power — the dynamic, creative energy personified as the Goddess, without which even Shiva is said to be inert.
Spiritual Insight & Context
Shakta traditions worship this energy directly as Devi in forms like Durga and Kali, holding that the feminine principle is not subordinate to but the active complement of the masculine divine.