The primordial cosmic energy that represents the dynamic forces of the universe in the Shaktism sect. The figure is the personification of cosmic energy and is considered creative, sustaining and destructive. The manifestation of Shakti is known by several names, including Adi Para Shakti (from the Sanskrit, meaning “primordial inconceivable energy”), Anaadi (“without beginning or end”) and Nitya (“forever”). From the Sanskrit word shakti, meaning “energy.”