Imagine standing amidst the bustling energy of the National Children’s Literature Festival clutching a prize for a short story titled “Healing of Wounds.” The pride and excitement of that defining moment ignited my exploration into the realm of children’s literature. It spurred me to delve deeper into the timeless myths of the Tridevi.

My lifelong fascination with Hindu mythology compelled me to bring the Tridevi to life in a unique format. The success of my initial portrayal of these goddesses confirmed my belief that modern audiences are eager for stories that blend ancient wisdom with contemporary themes. This initial inspiration, fueled by meticulous research into ancient texts and sacred scriptures, set me on a path filled with creativity and imagination. I desired to create a series that honored the rich traditions of Hinduism while presenting them in a fresh, accessible way for today’s readers.

Durga the Divine Warrior was a global success

The first installment of the series, Durga the Divine Warrior, introduced readers to Durga. Durga is a warrior goddess who embodies empowerment and justice. Known for her tenacity, she is celebrated for protecting the universe from evil. Her stories are filled with dramatic battles and heartfelt moments of maternal care, making her a complex yet relatable figure. 

In this graphic novel, readers are taken on a journey from Durga’s divine birth and subsequent upbringing in lush forests to her epic battles against the forces of evil. Durga’s battles symbolize the eternal fight between good and evil. Her victories are a testament to the power of righteousness and inner strength.

The art style of Durga the Divine Warrior is nothing if not vibrant and dynamic. The bold colors capture the ferocity of the battles and the serene beauty of the natural landscapes.

The reception to Durga the Divine Warrior was overwhelmingly positive. The book was picked up by readers at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany, attracting a diverse audience beyond the Indian community. The same enthusiasm was seen at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy Both Durga the Divine Warrior and its sequel Saraswati’s Gift received a warm reception and were nearly sold out. 

Fans appreciated Durga’s multidimensional character and connected strongly with Durga’s themes of empowerment and justice. The overwhelmingly positive feedback led me to explore the intellectual and prosperity aspects of the Tridevi in subsequent books. This global appreciation from readers inspired me to continue the Tridevi series, knowing there was a strong desire for more stories about these powerful goddesses.

Embracing knowledge and creativity in Saraswati’s Gift

The success of Durga the Divine Warrior inspired me to delve into the story of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts. Saraswati represents the pursuit of wisdom and creativity. Her story is a celebration of the arts and intellect. In this installment, readers follow Saraswati closely as she imparts knowledge, fosters creativity, and navigates challenges that test her wisdom and resolve.

Soft palettes and a serene and fluid art style reflects the calm and contemplative nature of Saraswati’s domains. The art captures the ethereal beauty of Saraswati’s world, creating a tranquil and inspiring atmosphere. Through the art, readers grasp the themes of intellectual growth and creativity.

Saraswati is depicted as a serene and wise goddess who guides mortals towards enlightenment and creativity. Her journey emphasizes the transformative power of learning and self-discovery, which shaped the direction of the series. The self-discovery and intellectual journey of Saraswati resonated strongly with the audience. Readers were particularly drawn to the theme of the transformative power of learning. She certainly is an inspiring figure for readers of all ages. 

A glimpse into the future of the Tridevi 

Encouraged by the positive reception to the intellectual and artistic themes in Saraswati’s Gift, I had the compelling need to complete the Tridevi saga with Lakshimi’s story of inner wealth and generosity. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is revered for her ability to bring abundance and success. From her modest beginnings to her rise as a revered deity, readers will witness Lakshmi’s challenges and teachings on spiritual wealth and abundance. 

A rich and detailed art style alongside a warm color scheme emphasizes the themes of wealth and prosperity. The opulent art of Lakshmi’s world contrasts with her humble origins to highlight her journey.

In Lakshmi’s Light, the narrative shifts to focus on the narrator Meera. Meera played an active role alongside Saraswati in Saraswati’s Gift. Meera’s journey is intertwined with Lakshmi’s teachings, but it is Meera who leads the story. This shift allows readers to see how ordinary individuals can find inspiration in divine figures and apply those lessons to their own lives. 

Lakshimi’s journey from modest beginnings to divine status illustrates the virtues of generosity, ethics, and the true meaning of prosperity. Her story explores the balance between material wealth and spiritual fulfillment, emphasizing that true prosperity comes from within.

The anticipation for Lakshmi’s Light has been fueled by the enthusiasm from readers who have expressed excitement for the themes of prosperity and ethical success that shape Lakshmi’s narrative depth. Readers’ insights will be invaluable in crafting a compelling and inspiring conclusion to the series.

Reflecting on the journey of humanizing the Tridevi

The most unique aspect of the Tridevi series is how the involvement of the goddesses varies across the books. In Durga the Divine Warrior, Durga herself is the lead character. She directly confronts the forces of evil and showcases her strength and resilience. In Saraswati’s Gift, Meera, the narrator, plays a more active role. The collaboration between mortal and goddess emphasizes the interplay between divine inspiration and human effort. In Lakshmi’s Light, the focus shifts even further towards the mortal perspective. The lead character is a little girl who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and finds traces of inspiration in divine goddesses. 

The approach of humanizing the Tridevi allows readers to see how the teachings of the goddesses can be integrated into everyday life.The divine is more accessible and relatable through the purposeful art and themes of the Tridevi. I am grateful for the opportunity to shape these stories through on reader interactions. Feedback ensures the themes resonate deeply with readers and that the characters remain relatable and inspiring.

The global success of the series, from the Frankfurt Book Fair to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, has reaffirmed the universal appeal of these stories. The overwhelmingly positive reception and the near sell-out of the books have been a testament to the timeless allure of Hindu mythology and the enduring power of storytelling.

As we anticipate the release of Lakshmi’s Light, I invite you to join in celebrating the enchantment of  Hindu mythology and the enduring power of storytelling. Here’s to the Tridevi and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

[Cheyenne Torres edited this piece.]

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer’s editorial policy.