Śaktipāta is the descent of Śiva’s grace upon a soul, which may come directly or through a guru’s initiation. Its intensity varies, and the texts classify its degrees. It is the beginning of the path, since without it the soul does not turn toward liberation.
Śaktipāta
The descent of power: in Śaiva tantra, the grace by which God awakens the soul to liberation.
Also: Shaktipat