Shaktism has inspired Sanskrit literature and Hindu philosophy. Various texts have been developed on this strong influence. The philosophy of Shaktism narrates that all forms of divinity is worshipped in this denomination of Hinduism. The Supreme Being is considered to be manifested in both female and male form. The philosophy and practices are recorded in a written account. It is believed that Shakti Scriptures developed with the literature of the Vedic Age. This further evolved during the influential period of the Hindu epics.
Among the Shakti Scriptures, the most prominent text is the Devi Mahatmya. According to history, the text Devi Mahatmya was composed about 1,600 years ago. This book deals with the "various mythic, cultic and theological elements relating to diverse female divinities." Other texts of the Shaktism include the Lalita Sahasranama, the Devi Gita, Adi Shankara`s Saundaryalahari and the Tantras. Shaktism in India was highly determined by all the religious texts of Shaktism.
Devi-Bhagavata Purana is among the Shakti Scriptures which are popularly known as Shrimad Devi Bhagvatam. This Hindu scripture is dedicated to Devi or the Divine Mother. Srimad Devi Bhagavatam was composed by Rishi Veda Vyasa that includes 12 books and 18000 verses. It is complete with philosophical reflections of the Shakta. This text is dedicated to the Shaktas along with Devi Mahatmya. The Devi-Bhagavata Purana is written in praise of the virtues of the goddess Durga. It is the basic text of the Devi worshipers. Srimad Devi Bhagavatam is also known as the Devi Gita or the Song of the Goddess. Many modern scholars have classified Devi-Bhagavata Purana an upapurana or the sub Purana. However, its author has categorized it as a `Maha Purana`.
The Devi Mahatmyam is another popular Shakti Scriptures. It describes the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The text of this religious text contains 700 verses which are arranged into 13 chapters. It is considered to be among the prominent text of Shaktism and achieves the central place in Shakta ritual. This text has attempted to define divinity as a female principle. The text synthesizes a number of pre-existing Mother Goddess myths of Aryan and non-Aryan origin. The Goddess is the Shakti or powers itself and her position is beyond the patriarchal position as consort of a male deity.
According to ancient records it is believed that, out of the 108 Upanishads of the Muktika, nine are considered Shakta Upanishads. Shakti Scriptures Sita, Annapurna, Devi, Tripuratapani, Tripura, Bhavana, Saubhagya, Sarasvatirahasya and Bahvrca narrates the power of Goddess.
