Forever Friends: Gods and their Vahanas (Adidev Press, 2025) is a delightful introduction to the fascinating world of Indian gods and goddesses. Written especially for children, the book combines beautiful illustrations with engaging storytelling, making it a perfect choice for young readers who are beginning to explore mythology.
One of the most appealing aspects is how the author weaves in the stories of the vahanas (the divine vehicles). It is fascinating, even for adults to discover the stories behind divine vehicles. For example, while most of us know that the vahana of Lord Ganesha is Moushak, the mouse, how many of us know the story behind how this came to be?
Each deity is not only brought to life through vibrant artwork but also through the quirky, meaningful, and sometimes surprising backstories of their chosen companions. Right from the majestic lion of the Devi to the humble mouse moushak, one meets divine creatures who have the task of carrying gods and goddesses.
The language is simple yet evocative, ensuring that children can follow along easily, while adults will also enjoy revisiting these timeless tales. The illustrations add a layer of charm, with colors and details that capture the imagination and make the stories memorable.
What stands out is the way the book highlights the symbolism behind each vahana, showing how even the smallest or most unexpected creature carries deep meaning. This helps children understand values like humility, courage, loyalty, and balance in a fun and accessible way.
I think it is more than just a picture book. For me, one of the deeper unsaid meanings was also about respect- how Deities (seen at a pedestal) and their vahanas (who are in service of the deities) have a bond of mutual respect without any power relationship implied. To me, this is the icing on the cake!
Forever Friends: Gods and their Vahanas would make a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf, whether for bedtime reading, classroom learning, or simply for the joy of discovering stories full of wonder and wisdom.
