‘Forever Friends’: New Children’s Book Highlights Hindu Gods’ Animal Companions

A new children’s book, Forever Friends!: The Gods and Their Vahanas, brings to life the sacred animal companions of Hindu deities, from Lord Shiva’s loyal Nandi to Goddess Durga’s fierce Simha.

Written by Chitwan Mittal and illustrated by Kalyani Gananpathy, the book retells these timeless tales from the perspective of the vahanas themselves, offering young readers a fun, modern, and engaging way to understand their significance in Hindu mythology.

Published by AdiDev Press, the book aims to introduce children to the rich tapestry of Hindu stories while highlighting the bonds between the gods and their animal companions. It combines storytelling with vibrant illustrations to make mythology accessible and entertaining for young audiences.

Mittal said the idea was to create a narrative that celebrates friendship, loyalty, and courage, as embodied by these divine animals. “Through the eyes of the vahanas, children can see the world of gods in a relatable and imaginative way,” he added.