Shakti, strength of Siva - The HinduPublished - October 12, 2026 04:40 am ISTSome people assume all joy begins and ends with food, and they will lead a life like an elephant, spending hours on a meal. A few more always talk of wanting to sleep all the time, verily like a snake, and consider it to be bliss. Some others love children and want to have a brood of them, begetting many, like a fish or a pig. One may ask, what is wrong with all of the above? Isn’t that what life is all about? As per sastras, these pleasures enjoyed by one are all temporary and give one pain; real anandham (bliss) comes from knowing the Paramatma, said Damodara Deekshithar.How does one know this formless, nameless entity? The Paramatma gets form, characteristics etc. when He creates, which is known as Parashakti: before Shakti, there is no formation, with Shakti, there is the formed world. This is similar to have before a pot is shaped, there is only clay. A potter decides to form it into a pot. The shape first takes form in his mind which is not visible to others. When the pot is crafted from that clay, everyone can see and appreciate the pot. Similarly, there is aviyaktam (not perceivable by the physical senses) before srishti. Then comes the formation (Parashakti), and She is called sarva Jaganmata.Adi Sankara says in Soundarya Lahiri, “Lord Siva becomes capable of creating and manifesting the universe when He is united with Shakti. Otherwise, the divine is not even capable of a slight movement or a tremor. Therefore, how can one who has not accumulated great merit even dare to bow to You or praise You, O Goddess?” This highlights the inseparable relationship between Siva (pure consciousness) and Shakti (dynamic energy). Consciousness needs energy to act. One is very familiar with this concept in daily life and the common line, uttered by one, “I do not have the Shakti (strength) to go to the temple, Sivvanenu (in the name of Siva), I will stay at home,” drives home the point.Published - October 12, 2026 04:40 am ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }