Shaktism is a sect in Hindu religion worshipping Goddess Shakti, the divine mother. This sect has large following in the eastern states of
West Bengal and
Assam.
Shaktism worships Goddess Shakti in all her forms, some of which are gentle while others are fierce. She is believed to be the one who can lead a devotee to salvation. She is considered the motivating force of all actions in the cosmos.
Shaktism gained popularity during the period extending from the 4th to 7th centuries. The ancient texts called Tantras are dedicated to this faith. This text preaches the use of magic and occult rituals to appease the goddess.
The follower of Shaktism is termed as Shakta. A Shakta makes uses of chants, magic, holy diagrams, yoga postures and other related rituals to summon the cosmic forces and awaken the ‘Kundalini’ power, which is a psycho-spiritual power believed to reside in a latent form in the human spine.
