“Who is She? She is your power, your Feminine source. Big Mama. The Goddess. The Great Mystery. The web-weaver. The life force. The first time, the twentieth time you may not recognize her. Or pretend not to hear. As she fills your body with ripples of terror and delight.” ~ Lucy H. Pearce, Burning Woman

Announcing to my loved ones, at the age of 23, that I intend to spread my wings and flee to India was taken with a mixture of shock and concern.

I had spent my life in Ireland and taking this journey to Mother India was a big step. ‘”But India is so far away! Surely it isn’t safe for a young female to travel India alone? You’re so brave!”

Respective of their concern, as I know it came from a place of love, they couldn’t have been further from the truth. Yes, there is a stigma attached to India as being ‘the most dangerous place for females to travel alone.’ However, what I have experienced whilst living here has been life-changing.

Mother India and the Goddess

Within Indian culture, the Divine Feminine is honored and worshipped in many magical ways. There is an entire festival dedicated solely to honoring the Divine Feminine. In Hindu culture, this festival is called ‘Navratri’. It is the celebration of our Divine Female forms and the worship of the many Goddesses. Goddess Worship has been practiced all throughout India for many years and to this day remains a powerful practice within Hinduism.

There are ten forms in particular which are directly related to the Divine Mother. These female forms of divinity are known as the “Das Mahavidyas,” each holding their own unique characteristics and mantras. The vast variety of Goddesses in Mother India allow individuals to connect and relate to their many qualities, grasping a reflection of themselves.

Goddesses invoke various elements of our inner soul, granting us an exploration of the Feminine Divine nature. Shakti is Divine Feminine Power, our female energy. All female statues in India embody a movement stance which embraces the Shakti principle. As women, we should release our inner goddess and activate our Shakti through moving our bodies in dance, yoga or whatever feels good for you. How does the female energy inside of you wish to move?

The Divine Mother and Feminine Energy

On my journey through India I had many awakening moments. The turning point for any misbeliefs around being a woman in India was put to bed when I reached Vashisht Village in Himachal Pradesh. Whilst residing in the footprints of the Himalaya Mountains, I have never felt so much female energy and empowerment. The true essence of femininity.

From the second I reached this beautiful village, I sensed the divine love and power flow throughout. I felt safe and at home. Life is so beautiful here. So pure. Each greeting holds respect when addressing others. Vashisht is a village of respect. Whilst roaming the Shanti streets of Vashisht you can grasp how much love is in the community. So much life in one small village.

Vashisht Temple is home to the female hot springs, which are believed to hold strong healing powers. This geo-thermally heated groundwater is rich with minerals offering many health benefits. These stone baths is where women of the village gather to honor their daily bathing needs. This small, sacred space gives women the chance to deeply relax and connect with healing water. The Shakti presence here is enchanting and energizing, encouraging you to feel feminine and free. Unapologetically free.

If you have ever graced any village in India, you will be familiar with the term “Mataji.” The core essence of village life is embraced by these beautiful souls. Mataji represents our ‘Respected Mother’ and is a respectful term used to address an older woman in Indian culture, particularly if she is unknown to the speaker. In Vedic culture, men must address the women this way because all women who are not one’s wife must be honored as “mother.”

Jogni, Goddess of the mountains, protects and provides for the village of Vashisht. Her cascading waterfall flows throughout, providing a sweet sound of solitude. Unfolding from the elevated mountains, her shimmering water free-falls. Gracing the village below with her rippling movements. Dancing through the streets of Vashisht, honoring her eternal vibration of Shakti and her state of flow. This is pure bliss. Jogni Mata Temple, which is grounded beside Jogni Falls, is in honor of Goddess Jogni. This is a silent zone, a sacred space which thrives from worship as people come from near and far to pray to the mighty Goddess. In return for your worship, Jogni will manifest your blessings. Goddesses thrive within villages as locals devote their prayers towards the Divine Feminine Mother.

Embracing the Feminine Power Within

The Sacred Divine Feminine lies deep within us all. Finding light and love in the right place allows us to unleash her and start living the life we deserve. Often within western spiritual tradition, this female energy is not embraced as much as it should be. Capturing the true feminine force within us and letting go of any negative influences inspires us to see the female force in a new light.

You may be wondering how to awaken your inner Divine Feminine? I have learned this powerful mantra while staying in India:

Om Aim Hreem Shreem.

This is a mantra devoted to the Divine Energy. Chant this powerful mantra 108 times to welcome the subtle presence of the Goddesses. What started off as concern from my family and friends, has now transformed into belief and enlightenment around femininity in Mother India. I feel more empowered as a woman than I ever have in my life. I am completely in touch with my Feminine Divine and honor her daily through self-love and care. Invoke your Divine Feminine energy, unleash your fierce female power, and embrace your inner goddess.

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About the Author

Becci Stockman is an Irish Digital Nomad, residing in the mountains of North India, pursuing her passion for writing through creating pure content from this beautiful atmosphere. Living with an open mind to endless possibilities and inspiring herself to flow into an innovative state for work, she spends her days trekking the Himalayas, expanding her knowledge on unique topics and practicing yoga and meditation daily. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with an expertise in Health, Mental Well-being and Nutrition. Moving to India has allowed her to deepen her spirituality, self-love practice and focus on exploring holistic health. She has been studying Ayurveda while working on her writing and inspiring others to follow their dreams.