Why Adishakti is Considered the Primary Cause of Creation

Adishakti is revered as the source and root of all creation, energy and consciousness in Indian spirituality. The concept of Adishakti as the origin of the universe is deeply embedded in ancient texts like the Devi Purana, Devi Bhagavatam, Tripura Rahasya and several Shakta scriptures. These texts glorify Adishakti as the ultimate force behind the creation, preservation and destruction of the cosmos. Let’s explore why Adishakti is considered the root, foundation and cause of creation in this profound spiritual philosophy.

1. Adishakti: The Primordial Nature and the First Energy of the Universe

According to texts like the Devi Bhagavatam and others, at the beginning of creation, only Paramatattva (Supreme Principle) or Shabda Brahman (the primordial sound) existed. From this state of formlessness, a desire or will emerged: "Let there be something." This desire manifested as Adishakti, the primordial nature or the first energy. She was the first cosmic energy from which the entire universe, gods, living beings, nature and consciousness unfolded.

2. The Responsibility of Creation, Preservation and Destruction

According to scriptures, Paramatattva (Brahman) delegated the tasks of creation, preservation and destruction to Adishakti, while remaining detached from these actions. Adishakti, with her powers of will, knowledge and action, carried out the creation, expansion and operation of the universe. Thus, Adishakti is the inspiration and energy behind every process from the beginning to the end of the universe. Without her, no action in the universe would be possible.

3. Trigunatmak Shakti: Creation, Preservation and Destruction

Adishakti is often referred to as the Trigunatmak Shakti, meaning she embodies the three gunas (qualities):

• Rajas (passion) - Creation (Brahma).
• Sattva (goodness) - Preservation (Vishnu).
• Tamas (darkness) - Destruction (Shiva).

Brahma represents Rajas (creation), Vishnu represents Sattva (preservation) and Shiva represents Tamas (destruction). All these forms of the Trimurti are expressions of Adishakti’s powers. The work of the Trimurti can only take place when they are infused with Adishakti’s energy and consciousness.

4. Origin of Soul, Consciousness and Matter

Adishakti, with her divine will, manifested two forms of light:

• Atma Jyoti (light of consciousness).
• Shakti Jyoti (the original energy).

From these two lights, the soul (Atma), nature, the five elements, mind, intellect, ego and all of creation came into being. Thus, without Adishakti, there would be no soul, no matter, no consciousness and no nature.

5. Adishakti’s Command and the Creation of the Trimurti

According to the Devi Purana, when Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva manifested, Adishakti assigned them the tasks of creation, preservation and destruction. She explicitly said: "Without me, you are inert, inactive and powerless." The Trimurti’s power, consciousness and capabilities are only possible due to Adishakti’s energy.

6. Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Adishakti is known as Jagadamba (The Mother of the Universe), Mool Prakriti (The Root Nature), Mahamaya and Parashakti.

• Navaratri, Durga Saptashati and Devi Bhagavatam are celebrated as festivals dedicated to the worship of Adishakti.
• Tridevi: The three main forms of Adishakti-Saraswati (Knowledge), Lakshmi (Prosperity) and Parvati (Power)-are also considered aspects of her divine energy.

Conclusion

Adishakti is considered the primary cause of creation because:

• She is the original energy, consciousness and nature from which the entire universe, soul and Trimurti arose.
• All the actions of creation, preservation and destruction are made possible through her divine energy.
• Without Adishakti, creation, life and consciousness would not exist. Adishakti is the root, foundation and ultimate cause of the universe. This profound understanding is at the heart of Indian spirituality and represents the eternal truth that all existence is but an expression of her supreme power.