Ram the Demon Slayer

Excerpts & Samples

By Vatsala Sperling

Publisher : Inner Traditions/Bear & Company

ABOUT Vatsala Sperling

Vatsala Sperling
Vatsala Sperling, Ph.D., fluent in a number of Indian languages and Sanskrit, learned these traditional stories at her mother’s feet and enjoys introducing them to children of the Western world. Before marrying and moving to the United States, she was the chief of Clinical Microbiolo More...

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Description

An illustrated version of the classic Hindu epic the Ramayana

• Presents the famous Hindu epic retold for Western children ages 6 to 9

• Fully illustrated with full-color paintings in traditional Indian style

Long ago, the story goes, the entire earth was overrun with demons. The ten-headed demon king Ravana had prayed to his grandfather, Lord Brahma, asking that he be granted immortality. And Brahma had granted his wish . . . almost. No god, demon, plant, or animal could harm Ravana, which allowed him to cause considerable damage as he and his demon army ransacked the earth. But Ravana was so scornful of humans he hadn’t bothered to ask for protection from them. This omission would prove to be his downfall.

With cries for help rising from every corner of the earth, the heavenly gods, Lords Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu, decided that something had to be done to rid the world of the rampaging demons and restore peace and order. They decided that Vishnu should be incarnated upon the earth in the form of the virtuous prince Ram. As a human prince, albeit one who had help from the gods, he would be able to defeat the demon king.

In Ram the Demon Slayer, readers follow Ram from his conception and birth through his training with sages and first successful demon battles to his marriage to the beautiful princess Sita and his final triumphant victory over the demon king. This beautifully illustrated retelling of the Ramayana makes accessible to Western children and their parents one of the favorite heroes of the Hindu tradition.

"A welcome introduction for children to a beloved spiritual classic."
Light of Consciousness, Autumn 2006

"The vivid, three-dimensional illustrations are a delight to behold, and make Ram's fantastic and bold adventures come to life."
Madigan McGillicuddy, Alaska Wellness, July-Aug 2006

"Like Sperling and Weltrevrede's earlier book, How Parvati Won the Heart of Shiva, this book is a must-have for families who crave more than TV programs, action-adventure movies, and video games for their children. This is real literature of an ancient and distinguished culture. The illustrations are splendid."
Barbara Ardinger, The Blessed Bee, Summer 2006

This will have a high appeal for children. The illustrations are in color and will catch all readers' attention with their descriptive insights. Listed under folklore, for ages 6 - 9, it is the kind of children's book with a wide appeal.
Lee Prosser, Ghostvillage.com, 1/3/07

"This is a great way for children to learn about Ram and see the story illustrated. A fine folklore book for children to read, and one they will enjoy."
Lee Prosser, Ghostvillage.com, Jan 2007