The concept of Shakti, referring to the divine feminine energy or power, is fundamental today. The earliest reference to Shakti can be found in the ancient scriptures known as the Vedas. However, the term “Shakti” itself may not be explicitly mentioned in the Vedas.
In the Vedas, various goddesses are mentioned and praised for their powers and attributes. These goddesses are often associated with natural forces, fertility, abundance, and divine energy. Some prominent goddesses mentioned in the Rigveda include Ushas (the goddess of dawn), Aditi (the mother of gods), Saraswati (the goddess of knowledge and wisdom), and Prithvi (the goddess of the Earth).
The concept of Shakti as a distinct divine feminine principle gained more prominence and elaboration in later Hindu scriptures, such as the Puranas and the Tantras. In these texts, the goddesses are personified as various forms of Shakti, and her worship and rituals are prescribed in detail.
While the exact origin and evolution of the concept of Shakti may not be traceable to a specific verse or scripture, the concept and reverence for the divine feminine energy can be found throughout the Hindu tradition, including the Vedas and subsequent texts.