Goddess worship has long been a significant aspect of Hinduism. Here is a selection of books that narrate the story of the mother goddesses of India and bring out the various facets of this tradition and its contemporary nature.
1. Devi, The Mother Goddess: An Introduction
Through imagery, philosophy, beliefs, customs, history, folklore, and myth, this book by Devdutt Pattanaik, tries to explain the meaning of goddess worship. Written in a simple style, the author is sure to appeal to readers of all ages.
2. Hindu Goddesses
Subtitled “Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition”, this book by David Kinsley endeavors to sort out the rich yet often chaotic history of Hindu goddess worship.
3. Victory to the Mother
Written by Kathleen M. Erndl and subtitiled “The Hindu Goddess of Northwest India in Myth, Ritual, and Symbol”, this book uses interviews and observations to explore the nature of the Goddess and her continuing vitality as a mythic presence in the lives of contemporary Hindus.4. Durga: Parma Sakti, Mahesari, Mahadevi
This rather thin volume by Chitralekha Singh, Prem Nath will be of interest to all those who are interested in religion, mythology, art, iconography of the Hindu gods and goddesses.5. The Mother Goddess Vaishno Devi
This is a great book by Naren Tewari on the Vaishno Devi form of Goddess Durga and the famous cave shrine dedicated to the goddess in Jammu & Kashmir, one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage centers.