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How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head AND How Parvati Won the Heart of ShivaHow Ganesh Got His Elephant Head
By Harish Johari and Vatsala Sperling, illustrated by Pieter Weltevrede
Publisher: Bear Cub Books (October 2003)
Pages: 28 – Price: $15.95
Reading level: Ages 4-8

How Parvati Won the Heart of Shiva
By Harish Johari and Vatsala Sperling, illustrated by Pieter Weltevrede
Publisher: Bear Cub Books (November 2004)
Pages: 28 – Price: $15.95
Reading level: Ages 9-12

Ghostvillage.com review

For those interested in the pervasive themes of death, love, and reincarnation, here are two fine books to whet your appetite and introduce you to centuries old spiritual mythology from ancient India. Each book is illustrated, and each book covers a different Hindu god and goddess. One book is about Ganesh, and the other book is about Parvati and Shiva.

This is accurate folklore at its best, and the explanations are direct. A child or adult can enjoy each book with equal ease, and the learning situation is direct and entertaining. The illustrations are highly appealing.

Ganesh was the Indian elephant-headed god. Even in contemporary India, he is considered the god who removes all obstacles when prayed to, and one of the most beloved of all characters in Indian folklore and religious mythology. His mother was the great mother goddess, Parvati, and she created him from sandalwood paste to guard her home against intruders. When the boy stopped Parvati’s husband, Shiva, from entering, Shiva beheads the boy. A cosmic battle erupts between the forces of the gods. Harmony and the order of the universe is restored only when Ganesh is given a head, which happens to be that of an elephant. Basically, a study in dedication to duty and compassion, it is a favorite legend shared by all Indians.

How Parvati won the heart of Shiva is a classic study in the theme of reincarnation in Indian folklore and reveals that enduring theme in Hindu religion. Adishakti, considered the greatest goddess of India, and Shiva, the Lord of All Gods, are shown as an eternally married couple. Whenever the couple reincarnate and return to Earth in human form, they find each other and marry. But in this one instance, Shiva comes to Earth as a wandering yogi and Adishakti chooses to be born as the mountain princess Parvati. Through a strange and complex series of events, they fall in love and marry. The essential theme of the story is with perseverance and love, the impossible can be achieved.

Both books take the reader to a time of enchantment and ancient wisdom. Readers will find each book enjoyable. Harish Johar (1934 – 1999) is noted for his keen insights and ability to bring Eastern spiritual traditions to Western audiences. Vatsala Sperling and Pieter Weltevrede are well-known to readers of Eastern traditions.

Entertaining, enjoyable, and clearly written, both books will share with the readers very important themes in Hindu culture.

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