Term used to designate a goddess in Hinduism .
It is sometimes used as an honorific title for women, and it may also refer to local female divinities throughout India. In the 5th–6th century, Hindu texts first began to identify Devi as the Great Goddess and the embodiment of matter, energy, and illusion. She is represented in a variety of aspects, both good and evil, including the beautiful but menacing Durga , the destructive Kali , and the sexually powerful Shakti (see shakti ).