Introduction to Indo-Caribbean Shaktism

Hi! Are you new to Shaktism and want to learn more about the Indo-Caribbean variant of Shaktism? This is the post for you. I already explained in a previous post what Indo-Caribbean Shaktism was and its unique practices, in this post i will outline a guide for beginners, Indo-Caribbean or not, on how to practice, why to practice it, and its symbolism as well as meaning for the Indo-Caribbean community. What do we believe in Indo-Caribbean Shaktism? Well, that is a hard question since it depends from tradition to tradition, family to family, and even person to person after they have studied well enough the practice to make their idea of what Shaktism is. Some say it is Monotheistic (believing in one and only one god), Pantheistic (believing in one god that is the universe and the universe is that one god, we call this god Devi or Shakti and this is the Theism I associate with), while others say it is Polytheistic (believing in many gods). Our tradition is often syncretic and has many influences, most notably from Dravidian Folk Religion, Catholicism, and even Islam & New age Spirituality. I will be later making posts of the Gods (deva) and Goddesses (devi) within Indo-Caribbean Shaktism. But for now, here is a list of commonly worshipped Devi and Deva within Shaktism, and is also based on what i have seen from Shakti Mandirs (temples) in the Caribbean, specifically Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana: Muneshwara- Considered by some a form of Lord Shiva, he is often depicted as an Old man, he is actually from South Indian Hinduism, aka Dravidian Folk Religion and was brought via indentured servants. He is prayed to for fierce protection from any evil Kali Maa- Kali is a powerful Hindu goddess associated with destruction and transformation. She is often depicted as a fierce and ferocious deity, symbolizing the raw energy of the divine feminine. Kali is revered as the embodiment of Shakti, the primordial cosmic energy, and is worshipped for her ability to destroy evil forces and bring about spiritual liberation. She is the main deity, or the main devi within Indo-Caribbean Shaktism The Matrikas- The Matrikas are a group of goddesses who play a significant role in Tantric practices. They are considered the divine mothers or female counterparts of Hindu gods. Lalita- Lalita, also known as Lalita Tripurasundari, is a form of the goddess Shakti associated with beauty, love, and divine grace. She is worshipped as the playful and enchanting aspect of the divine feminine. Lakshmi Maa- Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance in Hindu mythology. She is regarded as the divine consort of Lord Vishnu and represents the qualities of beauty, grace, and auspiciousness. Ganga Maa- Ganga, also known as the River Ganges, is a revered goddess in Hinduism. She is considered the personification of the holy river Ganges, which is believed to have descended from the heavens to cleanse humanity of its sins. She was brought to the Caribbean via indentured servants (I will make a post on that soon!) Hanuman- Hanuman is a prominent deity in Hindu mythology, revered for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. He is considered the monkey god and is worshipped for his strength, courage, and loyalty. Sri Shiva- Shiva is one of the principal deities in Hinduism, representing the aspects of creation, preservation, and destruction. He is the destroyer within the Shakti tradition, along with Maa Kali and Maa Durga. Sri Ganesha- Ganesha, also known as Ganapati, is one of the most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. He is revered as the remover of obstacles and the lord of wisdom, intellect, and new beginnings. He is the first to be prayed to during a puja or jhandi (prayer service) to remove obstacles, along with Lakshmi for abundant results and Sarasvatee Maa for knowledge. Sri Kal Bhairo- Kal Bhairo, also known as Kaal Bhairav, is a fierce form of Lord Shiva associated with time, destruction, and the eradication of evil forces. His name translates to "the fierce one" or "the terrifying one." Kal Bhairo is worshipped for protection, courage, and liberation from fear, and his devotees seek his blessings to overcome obstacles and challenges. Sarasvatee Maa- Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, music, arts, and learning in Hinduism. She embodies wisdom, creativity, and eloquence. Saraswati is worshipped by students, artists, and scholars seeking her blessings for intellect, creativity, and academic success. Her worship is associated with the pursuit of knowledge and the arts. Durga Maa- Durga is a powerful goddess known for her courage and divine strength. She is considered the ultimate form of feminine power and is worshipped as the mother goddess who protects and nurtures her devotees. Durga is worshipped during the festival of Navaratri, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Her worship is associated with seeking protection, inner strength, and the eradication of negative forces. Lord Sanganie (Karuppu Sami)- Lord Sangani, also sometimes called Sangani Karuppu or Dee Baba is a deity that stems from Dravidian Folk Religion and was part of the folk beliefs of the indentured servants brought to the Caribbean. He is often prayed to for protection and fatherly love and is often depicted as being a fierce, father-like figure. Kateri Maa- Kateri Maa, also called Katerie Maa, is a deity that stems from Dravidian Folk Religion and she is often regarded as a form of Parvati, who acts as a guardian deity of a given town. Some of her adherents also regard her to be a form of Mahadevi, tasked with the responsibility of destroying sicknesses during the Kali Yuga. The goddess is often depicted with her consort, Muneshwara. The Mahadivyas- The Mahadivyas refer to the great goddesses or supreme forms of the divine feminine in Tantric practices. These goddesses include Kali, Tara, Tripurasundari (Lalita), Bhuvaneshwari, Chinnamasta, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi, and Kamala. Each Mahadivya represents different aspects of Shakti and is worshipped for specific purposes such as protection, abundance, knowledge, and spiritual evolution. The Mahadivyas play a significant role in Tantra (Hindu Esoteric Practice), where they are revered as the ultimate manifestations of the goddess and serve as objects of meditation and devotion. Rama and Sita- Rama and Sita are revered as the ideal couple, representing righteousness, devotion, and the triumph of good over evil. Their worship symbolizes love, devotion, and the pursuit of righteousness Radha- Radha is a Hindu goddess who is worshipped as the divine consort and eternal beloved of Lord Krishna. She represents unconditional love, devotion, and spiritual union. Radha is revered for her deep affection and devotion towards Krishna, and her devotion serves as an inspiration for devotees seeking a profound connection with the divine. Sri Krishna- Krishna is a major deity in Hinduism and one of the most beloved and widely worshipped figures. He is considered the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Krishna is associated with love, devotion, righteousness, and the embodiment of divine playfulness. His teachings, as revealed in the Bhagavad Gita, emphasize the path of devotion, selfless action, and spiritual liberation. Sri Vishnu- Vishnu is one of the principal deities in Hinduism and is regarded as the preserver and sustainer of the universe. He is believed to have incarnated on Earth in various forms to restore cosmic balance and protect righteousness. Mother Mary of God (ive seen it in multiple Shakti Mandhirs, Syncretic)- Mother Mary of God, also known as the Virgin Mary, is a prominent figure in Christianity. She is venerated as the mother of Jesus Christ and is considered a symbol of purity, compassion, and divine grace. Devotees honor her for her faith, strength, and unwavering support during significant events in Jesus' life. Mary is revered as a model of motherhood and a spiritual intercessor, with believers seeking her blessings, guidance, and protection. She is often worshipped representing Shakti or as a syncretic embodiment of Shakti. Kubera- Kubera is a deity in Hindu mythology associated with wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Kubera is believed to be the custodian of wealth and the ruler of the earthly kingdom of Lanka. Devotees seek his blessings for financial prosperity, material abundance, and the fulfillment of desires. Gayatri- Gayatri is a revered goddess and a personification of a powerful mantra in Hinduism. Gayatri is associated with wisdom, enlightenment, and spiritual illumination. Devotees chant the Gayatri mantra to invoke blessings, seek inner transformation, and cultivate higher consciousness. It is believed to bestow intellect, clarity, and spiritual awakening upon those who recite it with devotion. Gayatri is regarded as a source of divine energy and a pathway to connect with the higher realms. Shani Dev- Shani Dev is a Hindu deity associated with the planet Saturn. He represents justice, discipline, and the effects of one's actions. Devotees seek his blessings for spiritual growth and to mitigate the negative influences of Saturn. He is one of the Navagrahas. The Navagrahas (Planetary Deities)- The Navagrahas are a group of nine planetary deities in Hinduism. They include the Sun (Surya), the Moon (Chandra), Mars (Mangala), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Brihaspati), Venus (Shukra), Saturn (Shani), Rahu (the North Lunar Node), and Ketu (the South Lunar Node). Each graha is believed to have a specific influence on human lives and is worshipped to seek their favorable blessings and mitigate any negative effects. Bhoomi Devi- Bhumi Devi, also known as Bhudevi or Dharti Maa, is a revered goddess in Hinduism. She is considered the divine embodiment of the Earth and is worshipped as the nurturing and sustaining force that supports all life. Bhumi Devi is associated with fertility, abundance, and the natural elements. She symbolizes the connection between humans and the Earth, emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with nature and respecting the environment. Devotees seek her blessings for prosperity, protection, and ecological balance. Dee Mata- Dee Mata is one of the shaktis (forms) of the Goddess Parvati. According to legend, the three main forms of Parvati are Laxmi, Kali and Saraswati. One day, the three of them combined their spiritual strength and created Dee Mata. She is often prayed to for wealth and personal matters. She is most common in Indo-Caribbean Shaktism and not found often in other forms of Hinduism. Catholic Saints (Syncretic)- Catholic saints are individuals who have been recognized and venerated for their exemplary lives of holiness and devotion to God. They are considered to be in the presence of God and serve as intercessors between humans and the divine. Catholic saints are believed to have lived virtuous lives, performed miracles, and demonstrated extraordinary faith. They are revered and honored within the Catholic Church as role models and sources of inspiration for the faithful. Each saint is associated with specific areas of patronage, such as saints who are invoked for protection, healing, guidance, or intercession in various aspects of life. The veneration of saints is an integral part of Catholic tradition and spirituality. This shows the syncretic influences which make Indo-Caribbean Shaktism different from other forms of Hinduism. Buddha (From New-Age Spiritual Influence)- Buddha, also known as Gautama Buddha or Siddhartha Gautama, was the founder of Buddhism. He lived in ancient India during the 6th century BCE. Buddha is highly revered as a spiritual teacher and the enlightened one who attained Nirvana, the state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. His teachings, known as the Dharma, emphasize the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a means to achieve enlightenment and end the cycle of suffering. Buddha's teachings have had a profound impact on millions of people around the world, and Buddhism is one of the major world religions practiced today. He is revered as an elevated guru in Indo-Caribbean Shaktism Mari Amma (Mariamman)- Mari Amma is a devi which stems from Dravidian Folk Religion. She is considered a fierce form of the Divine Mother and is associated with rain, fertility, and healing. Mariamman is often depicted with a red face and multiple arms, holding weapons and symbols of power. She is believed to protect her devotees from diseases, evil spirits, and misfortune. The worship of Mariamman involves various rituals and ceremonies, including music, dance, and offering of food. Her devotees seek her blessings for prosperity, health, and overall well-being. Mariamman is an important deity in the Hindu pantheon and holds a significant place in the religious and cultural practices of the Indo-Caribbean community. Varaha- Varaha Dev, also known as Agori Baba, is an avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu, in the form of a wild boar. Varaha is generally listed as third in the Dashavatara, the ten principal avatars of Vishnu. Permeshwari Mata- Permeshwari, also known as Parameshwara or Parameswari, is a manifestation of the Divine Mother in Hinduism. She represents the supreme feminine power and is revered as the ultimate source of creation, preservation, and destruction. Permeshwari is often associated with qualities such as love, compassion, and divine grace. Devotees worship her to seek blessings for spiritual growth, protection, and fulfillment of desires. The worship of Permeshwari involves various rituals, prayers, and offerings. She is depicted in various forms and is considered a revered deity in Hindu mythology and religious traditions. Nagura (to whom they weirdly enough do Muslim prayers)- Nagura may be a form or another name for Naag Devta but I worship him as a seperate deity. Nagura is a deva that is not an original Hindu deity. Nagura is said to be derived a mystic saint (Wali) within the Sufi tradition of Islam named Syed Abdul Qadir Shah al-Hamid Nagori and his story and legacy made its way to the Caribbean Islands where he started to be worshipped. The practices to worship Nagura are different from any other practice within Shaktism because it involves a lot of aspects that are from Islam and not Hinduism, Dravidian Folk Religion, or Catholicism. Naag Devta- Naag Devta, also known as the Snake God, has roots in ancient Indian mythology and symbolism. In Hinduism, snakes are considered sacred and powerful creatures associated with divine energies. Naag Devta represents the divine serpent and is often associated with Lord Shiva, who is depicted with a snake coiled around his neck. Snakes are believed to possess supernatural powers and are revered for their ability to bring blessings, protection, and fertility. Naag Devta's may come from the deity found in the Indian Sub-Continent, most notably in South India known as Darshan or Darshan Naga and is associated with fertility, wisdom, and protection from snake related dangers. Varun Dev- Varun Dev is god of the sky, oceans and water. In the scriptures, he is paired with the god mitra and is the lord of rita (justice) and satya (truth). Varuna is also mentioned as an Aditya, the sons of the goddess Aditi. These are obviously not all the Hindu gods there are within the Shakti pantheon, these are just the main ones. I will later make posts on how to do daily simple puja, and if you have questions, please ask me in the forum discussion!