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Nava Durga: The Nine Forms of the Goddess
Durga, as this powerful warrior-goddess is known,
Has nine special forms-each one unique, not just a clone.
Shailaputri, Brahmacharini and Chandraghanta,
Kushmanda and Skandamata,
Katyayani and Kaalratri,
Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri . . .
They are the Nava Durga,
Worshipped during Navaratri,
The festival of nine nights and nine days
That's celebrated across India and the world in myriad ways
To praise the goddesses and their glory.
This is their story!
Has nine special forms-each one unique, not just a clone.
Shailaputri, Brahmacharini and Chandraghanta,
Kushmanda and Skandamata,
Katyayani and Kaalratri,
Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri . . .
They are the Nava Durga,
Worshipped during Navaratri,
The festival of nine nights and nine days
That's celebrated across India and the world in myriad ways
To praise the goddesses and their glory.
This is their story!
96 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2020
4 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 21, 2020
A perfect book to introduce you lil one about Adi Shakti and Navratri.
The author explains about the Nine forms of Durga and it's origin.
It has stories for each day, how it is celebrated in different states of India in different forms, why these 9 days are important and a lot more. I enjoyed reading this book. It has beautiful illustrations by Priyanka pachpande
that you are going to love.
I loved the idea of the book. The way it is created is beautiful. It has many details which we are unaware of. The crisp writing style of the author keeps the young readers engaged throughout. The eye Catchy illustrations and the interesting narrative is going to make young readers love this book.
.
Read it aloud to them, and enjoy this book. It's a wonderful book that I am going to treasure.
The author explains about the Nine forms of Durga and it's origin.
It has stories for each day, how it is celebrated in different states of India in different forms, why these 9 days are important and a lot more. I enjoyed reading this book. It has beautiful illustrations by Priyanka pachpande
that you are going to love.
I loved the idea of the book. The way it is created is beautiful. It has many details which we are unaware of. The crisp writing style of the author keeps the young readers engaged throughout. The eye Catchy illustrations and the interesting narrative is going to make young readers love this book.
.
Read it aloud to them, and enjoy this book. It's a wonderful book that I am going to treasure.
November 15, 2020
The most beautiful festival book I ever read. What I loved most about this book is that it's an all-inclusive book. It talks about festivals that are celebrated throughout India in these nine days. The book made me realize that India is so diverse, yet so similar when it comes to celebrating its festivals. The language is easy and fun and no child will be bored reading it. (age 10+)
It's a delightful read for adults as well as I'm sure even adults don't possess this knowledge. Nava Durga can also be used as a powerful book to teach your kids that the world began with Adi Shakti (a woman). Lastly, I can't even begin to tell you how beautiful the illustrations are. The graphic details are just mind-blowing. I spotted women-of-color and of different body types. Kudos to the illustrator, the author (for her research and wording the right details) and the publisher for coming up with such a stupendous book.
It's a delightful read for adults as well as I'm sure even adults don't possess this knowledge. Nava Durga can also be used as a powerful book to teach your kids that the world began with Adi Shakti (a woman). Lastly, I can't even begin to tell you how beautiful the illustrations are. The graphic details are just mind-blowing. I spotted women-of-color and of different body types. Kudos to the illustrator, the author (for her research and wording the right details) and the publisher for coming up with such a stupendous book.
October 17, 2020
It's never too monotonous to listen to stories about The Goddess. Be it from your grandmother or a book that gives you just the right feel.
Navadurga is all about the nine forms of The Goddess, their story and significance. Accompanied by stunning illustrations, this book will wrap you in a hug.
Narrated in the forms of stories, these tiny tales tell us about the origin of the form and also about how different regions in India celebrate Navratri.
If you have a kid, this book is THE PERFECT way to introduce them to reading as well as a major chapter of Indian Mythology.
Navadurga is all about the nine forms of The Goddess, their story and significance. Accompanied by stunning illustrations, this book will wrap you in a hug.
Narrated in the forms of stories, these tiny tales tell us about the origin of the form and also about how different regions in India celebrate Navratri.
If you have a kid, this book is THE PERFECT way to introduce them to reading as well as a major chapter of Indian Mythology.
October 23, 2020
When I think of Durga puja my mind travels back to the large courtyard of my grandparents’ house which would get converted into a mandap for 10 days. Following all the old traditions, my mother and aunts would work hand in hand to keep the wheels of rituals and rites spinning. I looked forward to those 10 days of fun, freedom, endless joys that I shared with my cousins while we roamed around. I remember my mother would call me every now and then and introduce me to the rituals and customs that I should be following and answered my questions too. That plain courtyard would turn into a heavenly darbar for the goddess to reside among us. While my friends would go for pandal hopping, I would share the stories of my "barir pujo". Waking up early in the morning and taking shower in water mixed with herbs and oils and getting ready in new clothes for the pooja was the best part I guess, followed by the food.
Oh the food, a non-foodie like me ate like there’s no tomorrow.
Luchis and khichdi and labra, an endless array of sweets. I was spoilt for choice. I used to hate the evening of Dashami. There was a gloom in the air amidst all the laughter and giggling of bangles, for it was the end of the celebration. Another cycle of waiting.
My review-
Every story of the mother goddess subtly reminds me of the powers that reside within us. You can be both Annapurna and Kali. The nurturing and fierce Shakti are like two sides of coins intricately attached to us. Navadurga retold the tales that I have grown up hearing from the chanting of Chandi path, tales told by mothers and aunts. Along with the beautiful illustrations, it transported me to the world of the divine mother. These tales, no matter how many times told never lose its values and beauty. At the end of the day while I am writing this, hearing the bells coming from the nearby temple makes it a perfect read during Navaratri.
Oh the food, a non-foodie like me ate like there’s no tomorrow.
Luchis and khichdi and labra, an endless array of sweets. I was spoilt for choice. I used to hate the evening of Dashami. There was a gloom in the air amidst all the laughter and giggling of bangles, for it was the end of the celebration. Another cycle of waiting.
My review-
Every story of the mother goddess subtly reminds me of the powers that reside within us. You can be both Annapurna and Kali. The nurturing and fierce Shakti are like two sides of coins intricately attached to us. Navadurga retold the tales that I have grown up hearing from the chanting of Chandi path, tales told by mothers and aunts. Along with the beautiful illustrations, it transported me to the world of the divine mother. These tales, no matter how many times told never lose its values and beauty. At the end of the day while I am writing this, hearing the bells coming from the nearby temple makes it a perfect read during Navaratri.
October 19, 2020
We don’t celebrate Navratri in our house but I remember my childhood days when we used to go to eat at other people’s homes as ‘Kanyas’ 😋 This book taught me so much more about this festival. I knew that we worship Goddess Durga in her different forms each day but I didn’t know the names of those forms or why that avatar of the Goddess is worshipped.
This book is narrated in the form of short stories related to each goddess and her origin. Some of these tales took me to the memory lane. Along with each tale, the author, Nalini Ramachandran, also has included how each day is celebrated in different states of India. For example, In Maharashtra (the state I live in), people especially women wear clothes of a particular colour on each day of Navratri. Though there is different names for the goddesses in different regions, ultimately all we celebrate is the power and strength of women.
The illustrations by Priyanka Pachpande are just gorgeous and they go beautifully with the stories. I love how the author made sure to include and tell about different skin color and body size of the goddesses, for they shouldn’t just be celebrated as fair and lean ones.
This is a perfect read for middle-graders to teach them about the importance of Navratri and about the various forms of the goddess Durga. It is equally important for the adults too. Highly recommended.
This book is narrated in the form of short stories related to each goddess and her origin. Some of these tales took me to the memory lane. Along with each tale, the author, Nalini Ramachandran, also has included how each day is celebrated in different states of India. For example, In Maharashtra (the state I live in), people especially women wear clothes of a particular colour on each day of Navratri. Though there is different names for the goddesses in different regions, ultimately all we celebrate is the power and strength of women.
The illustrations by Priyanka Pachpande are just gorgeous and they go beautifully with the stories. I love how the author made sure to include and tell about different skin color and body size of the goddesses, for they shouldn’t just be celebrated as fair and lean ones.
This is a perfect read for middle-graders to teach them about the importance of Navratri and about the various forms of the goddess Durga. It is equally important for the adults too. Highly recommended.
December 31, 2022
This book was a fun read. The illustrations were so good. I knew most of the stories but there were some snippets which I didn’t know about in the stories presented. That was nice to read about.
Even though this book is for kids,adults would also enjoy this book sprinkled with beautiful colour illustrations. An enlightening read!
Even though this book is for kids,adults would also enjoy this book sprinkled with beautiful colour illustrations. An enlightening read!
October 29, 2020
𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 - '𝗡𝗔𝗩𝗔 𝗗𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗔 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗱𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘀' 𝗯𝘆 𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗜 𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗡
Navratri is one of the major festivals of our country which is celebrated for not one but nine days and nights where we honour and worship the nine different forms of the goddess. I remember the time when my grandmother used to tell me stories about the different forms of the goddess, and I used to enjoy it so much. This book took me back to the days of my childhood when Navratri was all about Kanjaks and the fun I used to have with my friends in the night Jagratas (overnight worship of the goddess and the other deities.)
This book is a compilation of short stories about the origin of the goddess and her different forms. Also, the illustrations by Priyanka Pachpande adds to the beauty of the book. One of the best things about the book that I loved is how the author tells about how the festival is celebrated in every state which portrays the cultural beauty of our nation and makes the readers learn so much about the different states and how they celebrate a similar festival so differently.
For example, I live in Haryana and here we celebrate the Navratri by worshipping to the goddess every day and then on the last day, we organise a feast for the little girls ‘KANJAKS’ and worship them as the purest form of the goddess.
Reading this book made me realise how we should respect and worship women every day.
All in all, This book is perfect for your little ones as it is filled with beautiful stories and much more beautiful illustrations and it can be a great way of making your kids get acquainted with the festival and its importance.
RATING: 4/5
Navratri is one of the major festivals of our country which is celebrated for not one but nine days and nights where we honour and worship the nine different forms of the goddess. I remember the time when my grandmother used to tell me stories about the different forms of the goddess, and I used to enjoy it so much. This book took me back to the days of my childhood when Navratri was all about Kanjaks and the fun I used to have with my friends in the night Jagratas (overnight worship of the goddess and the other deities.)
This book is a compilation of short stories about the origin of the goddess and her different forms. Also, the illustrations by Priyanka Pachpande adds to the beauty of the book. One of the best things about the book that I loved is how the author tells about how the festival is celebrated in every state which portrays the cultural beauty of our nation and makes the readers learn so much about the different states and how they celebrate a similar festival so differently.
For example, I live in Haryana and here we celebrate the Navratri by worshipping to the goddess every day and then on the last day, we organise a feast for the little girls ‘KANJAKS’ and worship them as the purest form of the goddess.
Reading this book made me realise how we should respect and worship women every day.
All in all, This book is perfect for your little ones as it is filled with beautiful stories and much more beautiful illustrations and it can be a great way of making your kids get acquainted with the festival and its importance.
RATING: 4/5
January 24, 2021
Navrathri holds a special place in my heart. As a Malaysian Indian of Sri Lankan descent, we celebrated it with golu and ayudha pooja when i was a child. My partner is a Gujarati, and i have learnt of Navratri with garba and dance forms dedicated to the beautiful goddess. Author Nalini has seamlessly put together the various different celebrations that honor the goddess, and made reading it a completely joyful experience. I loved how Durga's nine forms is celebrated with leaves, grains, flowers, colours, showing how diversified she is. The author goes on to explain how the nine forms of durga live in us as nine shakthis and she is also manifested as our nine emotions, or the navarasas. The stories of the nine forms if durgs, complete with the timelines further enlightened me as i too have felt confused about them at times. This book enlightened and educated me, and for that alone i am glad. The book has 84 colouful pages that brings you on an adventure with durga through each turn of the page. Many questions in regards to the worship of the goddess will be answered here. Her forms, her rides, her weapons, all of them are beautifully explained. A good read for both the child and adult at home.
April 4, 2025
Navratri is extra special to me. It’s a time of joy, festivities, and connecting with my roots. The vibrant colors, beautiful decorations, and uplifting energy make it a truly magical experience. Explore Durga’s amazing world in this 84-page colorful book! Inside, you’ll discover the fascinating stories and secrets of the goddess. Learn about her many forms, cool rides, and powerful weapons.
Reading about the mother goddess reminds me of the strength within us. We can be caring and fierce at the same time. The stories in Navadurga brought back memories of my childhood, listening to tales from my family!
This book is perfect for kids, but adults will love it too! The colorful pictures make it a delightful read. It’s informative, fun, and enlightening - a great read for the whole family!
Reading about the mother goddess reminds me of the strength within us. We can be caring and fierce at the same time. The stories in Navadurga brought back memories of my childhood, listening to tales from my family!
This book is perfect for kids, but adults will love it too! The colorful pictures make it a delightful read. It’s informative, fun, and enlightening - a great read for the whole family!
Want to read
October 9, 2022Nice
December 17, 2025
what a beautifully written book. Even though I bought this for my child, I cosmetology help but finish it with all my childhood curiosities quenched up well!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews