FAQs

A woman sitting in quiet reflection near a window, with incense and an image of Goddess Lalita in the background.

  1. Do I need a Guru to begin Shakti Sadhana?
    No. You can begin with pure devotion. The Divine Mother listens to the sincere heart. A Guru may come later when you’re ready.

  2. How can I start worshipping the Divine Mother at home?
    Start with a clean space, light a lamp, offer flowers or water, and chant Her name with love. That’s enough to invite Her presence.

  3. Is it okay to chant Her name without knowing mantras?
    Yes. Chanting Her name with devotion is more powerful than chanting a complex mantra without feeling. Start with a simple name like “Shri Durga Jai Durga” or “Maa Aadishakti.”

  4. What is the best time to worship the Goddess?
    Early morning or evening is ideal, but She accepts your devotion at any time. What matters is consistency and sincerity. Chant whenever you can and as much as you can.

  5. Do I need a proper idol or can I use a photo?
    A photo, a symbol, or even an image in your heart is enough. She responds to intention, not form. If you are unsure about which form to worship, you can print a picture of Shakti Lingam and start there.

  6. Can women worship during menstruation?
    Yes. From a bhakti perspective, the Mother never turns away Her daughters. Your love is always pure to Her.

  7. Which form of the Goddess should I worship?
    Start with a form you feel naturally drawn to—Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, or a local Devi. You can also begin with Shakti Lingam worship if you're unsure. It represents Her pure energy without form.

  8. Is Shakti Lingam worship suitable for beginners?
    Yes, the practice is designed especially for beginners. It’s a beautiful and simple way to connect with the formless yet all-pervading Shakti. You can light a lamp and offer water or flowers to a photograph of the Lingam daily.

  9. Is animal sacrifice necessary in Shakti worship?
    No. In bhakti, your love and surrender are the true offering. Many temples have moved to symbolic or vegetarian offerings.

  10. Why do some temples still do animal sacrifice?
    In some ancient traditions, it's seen as part of local customs. But it’s not required for spiritual connection. You can follow a compassionate, symbolic approach.

  11. Can I offer vegetarian substitutes instead of animal offerings?
    Yes. Coconut, pumpkin, ash gourd, or red hibiscus flowers are often used as symbolic substitutes in modern worship.

  12. What are some accepted vegetarian alternatives to bali (sacrifice)?
    Breaking coconuts, offering rice flour figures, or symbolic items like red fruit or beetroot can represent the same intention without harm.

  13. Is it okay to eat non-vegetarian food as a Devi devotee?
    Yes. The path of bhakti is not about strict rules, but awareness. Some devotees choose vegetarianism over time, but it’s not compulsory.

  14. Do I have to follow a strict vegetarian diet for Shakti Sadhana?
    No. What matters more is purity of mind, heart, and intention. If you feel drawn to eat simpler food, follow that inner guidance.

  15. What if I don’t know Sanskrit or traditional rituals?
    You don’t need them to connect. Speak to Her in your own language. The language of the heart is what She understands best.

  16. How do I know if the Goddess is listening to me?
    You’ll feel calm, guided, or deeply loved even in silence. Her response may come through dreams, intuition, or subtle inner signs.

  17. Can I worship more than one form of Devi?
    Yes but it isn't necessary. All forms are Hers. Whether you pray to Kali, Durga, or Annapurna, you’re still connecting with the One Divine Mother.

  18. What is the simplest daily practice I can do for Her?
    Light a lamp, offer a flower, and chant Her name with love. Even just five minutes of heartfelt connection is powerful.

  19. What if I miss a day of worship—will She be angry?
    No. The Divine Mother is never angry with Her children. Just return to Her with love. She’s always waiting with open arms.

  20. Is it okay to cry, talk, or share my feelings with the Goddess?
    Yes. She is your Divine Mother. Speak to Her freely—in joy, in sorrow, in confusion. She listens, always.

  21. Can I do Shakti Sadhana even if I live far from temples?
    Yes. Your home, your heart, even a small corner becomes a temple when you invite Her there. Distance doesn't matter in devotion.