Sri Devi Mahatmyam for Kids: Glories of the Feminine God in Hinduism

 Sri Devi Mahatmyam for Kids: Glories of the Feminine God in Hinduism, Ishwar Joshi Awalgaonkar, 2022

This book is a child's version of one of the major gods of the Hindu religion - Devi - the Feminine God. She is the Mother. She is the Protector. She is the SuperHero.

The story is told of two brothers, Shumbha and Nishumbha, who were powerful gods in their own right. They were not beings to be ignored. Both were very interested in Devi, because she was very beautiful. Devi, who lived alone on the top of a high mountain, turned down their marriage proposal. The brothers sent an army to convince her to reconsider. At that time, a woman's place was in the home, and they should leave war to the men.

Devi showed her extreme disinterest in the proposal by killing the general, and wiping out most of the army. Those that were left got back to the brothers and told them the tale. Another army was sent, and another, with the same result. One of the generals had a unique superpower. Every time a drop of his blood hit the ground, a fully-formed, adult clone of him instantly appeared. Devi was surrounded by thousands of the same general; things were not looking good. Devi figured a way around it, and killed the general, and all the clones, and also wiped out the army.

Finally, Shumbha and Nishumbha took on Devi, personally. After a titanic battle, Nishumbha fell in battle. Seeing his brother dead, Shumbha and Devi had the Battle To End All Battles; all other combatants got out of the way.

This book is surprisingly good. The other does an excellent job at telling the story in simple terms. It is not a boring story; there is enough action for anyone. The book is also recommended for those who are not of the Hindu religion.