[In Hinduism] the energy of shakti manifests itself as a goddess. Without shakti, the gods are nonexistent. She becomes their consort, and her many faces represent all aspects of creation. As Sarasvati, the consort of Brahma, she is creation itself. As Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, she is beauty. As Parvati, the consort of Shiva, she is often referred to as Shakti and is space and time.
— Priya Hemenway, Hindu Gods