Parashakti and Adishakti are the forms of Supreme Mother
Goddess. But is there difference between Parashakti and Adishakti? For a
devotee who is immersed in unwavering devotion (Bhakti) they both lead to the
same goal – Moksha or Liberation. For a devotee who is still struggling in the
world of forms there is a difference.
The philosophy of various manifestations of Shiva and Shakti
is associated with the Suddha Shaiva School of Shaivism.
As you might be aware that in Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism),
creation, sustenance and destruction follow a cyclic path. Thus at the end of
one cycle - after destruction, Parashakti evolves from Shiva when His boundless mercy wills. She appears for
the purpose of next cycle of creation and removal of dirt (Adharma) from the
world. From this Shakti emerges other Shaktis.
For the purpose of next cycle creation and to remove dirt, from
a thousandth part of Shiva emerges Parashakti.
From a thousandth part of Parashakti emerges Adishakti.
This is the difference from a scholarly point of view.
A devotee should aim to realize that all forms are of That
Supreme Truth – this is moksha.