Awaken the Durga Within

by Usha Narayanan

Awaken the Durga Within is a handy, easy-to-follow guide to help women assert themselves at home and work and reclaim their life. As women in a patriarchal country like India, they are often held back by family or society; and even education or employment does little to help improve their status.

Bringing in lesser-known and exciting stories about goddesses from Hindu mythology, Awaken the Durga Within puts forward practical solutions that can be implemented immediately, without compromising on values and principles. These stories will help invoke the ‘Shakti’ within every woman so as to transform their minds and transcend their limits. The book helps her Identify the fears holding her back and discover a pithy, three-step process to take control of her life. She is guided on how to make choices that are right for her and experience the rewards. Now it's easy to discover the true spirit of feminism wherein women are given the same rights, power, and opportunities as men.

Genres: Nonfiction

235 pages, Paperback

Published October 20, 2018

About the author

Usha Narayanan had a successful career in advertising, media and corporate communications before becoming a full-time author. She has written 'The Madras Mangler', a suspense thriller, and two romances, 'Love,Lies and Layoffs' (Harlequin) and 'Doctor Stalker Spy' (Juggernaut). Her mythological bestsellers from Penguin include 'Pradyumna: Son of Krishna', 'The Secret of God’s Son', 'Prem Purana' and her latest, 'Kartikeya and His Battle with the Soul Stealer'. She combines self help with mythology in 'Awaken the Durga Within', a Rupa release that is now rocking the charts.

When she’s not juggling travelling, writing and interviews, Usha reads everything from thrillers to romances.

To know more about her, visit www.ushanarayanan.com or email her at author@ushanarayanan.com. Find her also at www.facebook.com/writerusha or tweet @writerusha.

Reviews

[Wanderingg__soul]

I am a huge fan of self help books and this one is a very unique and different one, so I readily agreed to review it.

This was my first read by Usha Narayanan and I am in awe of her writing. From her writing style, narrations, her knowledge of mythology to the amazing content of this book, I loved it all. I will surely be picking up more of her work.

The theme of the book is very unique and empowering. The author has wonderfully connected mythology and created a masterpiece with suggestions and solutions that will help women fight their daily battles.

As India is a patriarchal country, women here are always considered to be subordinates, weak, secondary, sacrificing. Even though this scenario has changed in many higher class and higher middle class people but still there are many people who still do not consider women as equal counterparts to the men in the society.

For example, we see Bollywood as very open and welcoming platform to women but we all have heard that the female lead actresses are still not paid and much as the male actors.

Being born and brought up in a middle class family, I could relate to most of the book. The book is a very encouraging guide which advises women to neither be submissive or aggressive but assertive.

The Three C’s and Young, not impressed were two of my favorite chapters from this book.

I highly recommend this book to every girl out there.


Special Mentions:

1. The creative cover is another cherry on the cage.

2. Also the tagline of the book is very apt and thoughtful.

“FROM GLUM TO GLAM

CAGED TO CAREFREE”

[A.]

I have read Usha Narayanan's previous mythology novels and have fallen in love with both mythology and her writing too. So when I was asked if I can review Awaken The Durga Within, I agreed to it readily.

From writing mythology to self-help book is a big step and requires great courage and is also not easy. As both are different genres and both require equal research too. But Usha Narayanan has done the transition with equal ease by mixing mythology with self-help.

Awaken The Durga Within is a mixture of current situations and incidents from mythology. Author has given us examples of Goddess and has given us the actual facts of their acts and not shown them as we have been hearing or have been taught since we know.

The author has given us right and appropriate examples from mythology and connected it with an example of any current situation which a woman faces in day-to-day happenings.

It really touches to see how each and every woman have been suppressed, violated and abused (not necessary, physically, but also emotionally or mentally) and then labeled her as weak and useless, even in mythology we come across many instances where our Goddess are portrayed as weaklings but in reality the facts have been twisted by our ancestors to portray God as strong and Goddess as weak.

Innovative book cover image, also the idea behind the book, too is worth a mention. Flawless writing, use of simple language and the apt and right mixture of mythology and present scenario are truly commendable.

Awaken The Durga Within is definitely is a must read, not only by all women but also men of all ages and caste irrespective of class.

[Adv. Vandana Choudhary]

When I picked this book, I did not expect that I would love this book so much! This book is for all women, married, unmarried and whatever your situation is. A woman is a multi-tasker, she tries to play her roles at home and work properly with the best of her capabilities. But does she gets that appreciation she deserve? No, forget about the appreciation, she is even criticized for wishing to having it all. Women are forced to fit into roles that society has determined for them and are compelled to fit in with society's vision of how they should be. Are you one such woman? We all go through some sort of stress when we feel that despite of applying all our abilities and best of efforts, we are not able to cope with difficult life or difficult people. This book will help us. When women needs help or advice, they don't know where to go and this book is what they need to pick. This book will help you in choosing a meaningful life where you are valued! This will offer suggestions that are bound to make you more confident.

[Inderpreet Kaur Uppal]

This book is a mixture of the mythological tales, common sense, and wisdom mixed up to serve the perfect advice and guidance for the women of today. Usha is an expert on mythology and her books not only entertain but also give excellent insights to our life through the gods. The young girls or the middle-aged housewife and even the matriarch of the family—all of them can use a trick or two from this book.
Usha strikes a chord with the reader as in her previous book, Prem Purana—stories of the love of gods. Where mythology is concerned, ‘Awaken the Durga Within’ is no exception. In fact, the mythological bits, the snippets of how the goddesses managed to have stability in their life, defeat enemies and even find the perfect balance with their gods make it most interesting.
Awaken the Durga Within is a book that will make every woman and man think about their goals, achievements and work towards those goals. The book highlights the various issues women face in life, the decisions or actions taken for them. She has detailed the various issues right from what a young girl faces while choosing a career or a groom being chosen for her. The book is laid out in chapters with catchy titles.
Free the Durga, is simply telling us women to not hold back, to let ourselves go. Sati and Parvati are discussed and how they are not just sacrificing women but strong, determined ones who got their man on their own terms. Savitri is shown as an epitome of courage and resilience. The importance and value being a homemaker is highlighted with tales of Shiva and Parvati. How can we help and guide others and ourselves to achieve some respect, awareness and assistance from the other members of the family.
Usha has highlighted three main components in the book, Awaken the Durga Within with the help of Choose, Create and Change. She urges us to choose our battles wisely, to create situations favourable for their success and to not only expect others to change but to adapt ourselves.

Taking the story of Indrani, she has explained about the issues faced by working women. How to come as equals in the work environment and to have a balanced approach to work and home. This book has covered all the areas and aspect that govern a woman’s life and how one can find the balance to live a happy and successful life.

The key is give and take, to find yourself, your inner balance. The story of Sita against Ravana is the final mythic tale that highlights the inner strength and all prevailing shakti of a woman. New you, new strength, wisdom with patience is the mantra to get your place under the sun.
Awaken the Durga Within: From Glum to Glam, Caged to Carefree will help you feel energised, stronger and help you be the woman of today with the wisdom of ages. Read it to realise your potential.

[Chittajit Mitra]

The book has been written in form of a guide where the author from the first chapter itself focuses on self worth and from there till the last chapter she takes us on a tour of empowering oneself & realizing the potential. She uses mythology as a pillar to support the basic point the chapter is supposed to convey. The step by step initiatives advised in the book are tailored for women irrespective of their age or marital status. Do indeed get this book to adopt a sure shot path to success,

Read the full review on Just Another Bookaholic

[Shantala]

Feminism in the Indian context

When I first read the blurb of this book, I was immediately intrigued, because it seemed to take a unique approach to addressing women's issues (especially in India), by using tales from Indian mythology/historical fiction to provide practical solutions for modern women who want to assert themselves and reclaim their life in a largely patriarchal society.

But to be completely honest, while I thought the concept was great, I was unsure if it will actually work. Though after having read this book, I have to say that for the most part, the book delivers on what it promises. And strikes a good balance between the two diverse genres of mythology & self help, and does so in a seemingly effortless fashion.

That being said, while I agreed with most everything written in this book, I personally have worked through all of this long back, and so in that sense it did not deliver any new insights to me personally. But that's just me.

I am sure this book will prove very useful to many women who are thinking of or are even beginning to assert themselves at home or at work. And for them, it might serve as a great starting point, as this book will encourage them to take those initial baby steps towards their eventual goal.

- Shantala @ Shanaya Tales

[Deepthi Nair]

Lured by the strength of these beautiful feminine darkness I took a deep dive..
into the world of Kali durga and draupadi ..and now I am gleaming with the arcane lessons and insight!
A must read for all to understand the power of being a woman!!!
Having read this book..with such beautiful insights on the life of a woman.. yet so simply put forth for easy grasping..I cudnt help but write a few more words to express what I feel now..
Let go off everything that keeps you from being the best You
And learn to love and accept yourself to find the goddess within you!
©Deepthi Nair

[Geeta Nair]

The title and the cover design awakens in one the desire to read, identify and decide.

An easy, yet exhaustive self- help book, ‘Awaken the Durga Within’ once again brings the story-teller in Usha Narayanan to the fore, but this time with a difference. While the author’s earlier books deal purely with mythology and mythological characters, this one sees the life- coach in the author express herself, and that too with adroitness.

An easy and practical guide with the aim at achieving women’s empowerment of a different kind, this one sees the author dig out some gems ( women characters) from Hindu mythology, analyze their story from a perspective we’ve never ever been told and establish their true character, a character that points towards their strength, determination and resilience. Here story-telling is the stairway to the ultimate goal, the goal to awaken the Durga residing within each woman, help her discover her inner strength, guide her on the right path to asserting herself and nudge her open the cage she has been suffocating in, and fly free.

The problems discussed are real; the solutions offered are practical and do not in any way compromise on values and principles. Hence in short the woman who takes a leaf out of the book and works on it need not feel guilty of breach of values or principles. She is just reminding everyone that she too is human, made of flesh and bones, with a mind of her own and a heart that beats. She craves not for absolute power but looks forward to being accorded the respect that is rightly hers, both at home and outside. Her self-respect permits none to trample her.

The author reminds one that though there are problems aplenty, there are choices too that only you can make; choices that are simple but call for courage, determination and the will to fight to the end. She assures that the path may seem tough and perilous at first, but with sustained efforts one can ensure that the end result is rewarding.

Another interesting aspect of this book is that apart from assisting the docile one to awaken the Shakti within her, it acts as an eye-opener for the aggressive one who is ready to fly off the handle at the slightest provocation. It impresses upon her the need to imbibe the quality of restraint and act with tact.

Overall an interesting read, one which nudges you to introspect on your life, take steps to overcome those fears that are bogging you, and live with dignity.

[Sunita Saldhana]

Having read almost all of Usha Narayanan’s books I found this one different from her other books. This is not a story based on mythology, but a book that relates mythology to life today.
In this book, the author has blended the stories of the goddesses from Hindu mythology and the conflicts that women go through today. She shows us how we can learn from them and be a Durga in our own lives.
Though I absolutely believe that the Goddess dwells in all of us, I was a little sceptical about the book. I mean, Indian scriptures and society are both patriarchal and have always advocated that a woman is a subordinate being, who should defer to her father, husband or son. So how could the goddesses teach us how to stand up for ourselves in today’s world?
This book was not like her other books which I finished reading at one go. This book took time; it irritated me and made me uncomfortable. It made me pause and made me ponder. It pushed at my beliefs. But isn’t that what a good book is supposed to do? Push you, prod you, change you?
While addressing the woes that all women face in today’s world, Usha Narayanan talks to three different groups of women, the home maker, the career woman and the young adult. She tells each group how they can apply the three Cs of choosing what you want to change in your life, changing our behaviour and reaction to things that are happening around us and creating a new happier self.
The content matter of the book is well thought out, urging women to be assertive rather than passive or aggressive. The tone of the book is not one of blame or angst, but of positively taking onus not to just create a better world for yourself, but by default creating a better world for everyone.
I loved the way she tells lesser heard stories of the goddesses and their spouses. Of how they were never less than the gods but were true partners in the creation and preservation of the world.
As she says when you fight for your rights, it is not an over the top manifesto to kill all men...but rather an expression of your rightful desire to be respected as a significant, equal human being.

[Devika Fernando]

Some self-help books tend to be preachy or promise you the moon. Not this one, thankfully. It cleverly mixes Indian mythology with modern views, a dose of critical self-analysis and more than just a dose of practical advice. I especially loved the concept of 3 C's (choose, change, create) that could be applied to so many situations. Whether you're young or older, married or not, a mother or daughter or simply a woman seeking to come into her own, this book offers some great tips while neither making things seem easy-peasy nor creating false hopes.

[Enakshi J.]

Women face a lot of problems in their life. Right from being accepted in the society after they are born, becoming educated, becoming independent to getting married to sacrifice their dreams and taking charge of the husband’s house- they burn the candle at both ends.
Read the complete review here: http://aliveshadow.com/category-bookr...

[Kidliomag]

Very nice and must read for every women.

[Paromita Goswami]

In India, a woman is symbolized as the Goddess Durga, the strength, however, it is also the fact that it is the woman who never realizes her own strength at the time of need and becomes dependent on others. Usha's new book explores the path a person can take to make oneself self-conscious and become successful. One should never underestimate self.

[Sruthy Pisharady]

Though the blurb and the name of the book were enticing, I didn’t know what to expect from it. This book completely took me by surprise. It is an innovative way to pen a self-help book. As the name suggests, it targets women though it might be helpful for others also who feel compelled to obey and please others and cannot be assertive when needed. It takes us through the stories of the great and ferocious women in the Hindu epics and through each story, drives home an important message about taking control of your life and learning to free yourself from the shackles of oppression. The author gives relatable everyday scenarios and how to tackle them in a pragmatic manner. The book does not preach philosophy, rather it guides us and helps us to introspect and understood our problems better. This book has given me a lot of positive energy and I really felt empowered after reading this book. I have tried to follow what the author wanted to convey and it has helped to make a positive impact on my life. Any of you who find yourself in a similar situation will surely benefit from this book. I strongly recommend this unique self-help book. 

[Nikita Jhanglani]

Usha attempts to solve very everyday problems with this book. Plus one, because even though what you read is what you must have experienced quite a lot, and a lot of it is stuff we know, Usha gives you a fresher perspective. And, honestly, I am a huge fan of perspectives because they can change the way one looks at a situation. 

Awaken the Durga Within You is a must-read in every sense. It is not preachy, it does not drag, and it tells you the known in a fresher way. The language and pace are sorted and the stories keep the boredom away (in my case, the chances of me getting bored were way too high, so kudos to the stories!).

[Madhuri]

I couldn't have said it any better to my daughter than Usha in her afterword in Awaken the Durga. in this self-help book that illumines the within, the author wishes for her readers to find freedom and fulfilment in their personal and professional lives.

The collection of stories, known and lesser known, deftly translate the wisdom of our ancient scriptures into the 21st century quotidian issues that women face. Enjoining her readers to adopt the three Cs - Choose - Change - Create - Usha also shows them why they must do so.

For a woman to believe in herself, to respect and cherish herself, was always the bigger plan, which got lost in the nitty-gritty of living.

If these powerful stories, recounted in the author's trademark engaging style, don't propel women into reclaiming their lives, then I don't know what will!

[Deepika Saluja]

A must read book for all the women and young girls out there.. you will relate to hundreds of things referred in the book!

[Vasudha Rao]

Usha has dedicated the book to her mother who helped her to break free.The book begins with Introduction as the first chapter & ends with Conclusion as the eighth chapter. Introduction states the misgivings a majority of the women have regarding themselves.And the chapter concludes with a story from the Indian mythology about a Goddess. As one reads , the story, the reader is mesmerised by the revealations that the Goddesses are the source of strength .And we as Indian women should take inspiration from them as the Goddess resides in each one of us !

In the next chapters, Usha talks about the three C's ...choice, change & create. She opines that women have to choose , change & create a better world for themselves. She says that women must be assertive not aggressive to get their points across. The change may be stressful initially .And yet after assertiveness is repeated , it becomes second nature & changes & transform us. And as the women are transformed, they create a better world for all !

The uniqueness about this book is that each chapter narrates a story of a female character from the Indian mythology .Some characters are known to us. Some are unfamiliar & yet all are strong female characters who were assertive & stood their ground. They were able to change the tide which were unfathomable even for Gods & the Trinity ! Usha narrates lesser known tales which are revelations & how ! They unveil traits of the personalities of Goddesses which were never made public ! And Usha connects the mythological tales to the modern day Indian women.

And the suggestions are practical & simple. The author prods us on gently & states that women can take one step at a time. And these steps will add up to giant strides .And these strides will lead to scintillating metamorphosis !!!!

The author says that Indian Goddesses have shown us the paths on which the Indian women need to embark to affirm themselves .And when women do that , they make this world a much better place .Because as the author rightly opines, a happy person ( more so a happy woman ) reflects her inner happiness on to the world converting the globe into paradise !

A must read for girls as also women. Men can read it too & get insights into how they can assist their women & change for the better ! The title of the book " Awaken the Durga Within" is embossed in Gold on the cover of the book. Likewise, the book is worth its weight in gold !

[Enakshi J.]

Women face a lot of problems in their life. Right from being accepted in the society after they are born, becoming educated, becoming independent to getting married to sacrifice their dreams and taking charge of the husband’s house- they burn the candle at both ends.
Read the complete review here: http://aliveshadow.com/category-bookr...

[Kavita]

I have read and loved the earlier books by the author which have been mythology based. Having read her stories, I was familiar with her writing style and language and this book has been equally well written in a simple and understand way.

The cover of the book is very interesting. The blurb is apt.

This is a collection of stories from the puranas, Indian mythology but interpreted in a very modern way trying to find a modern parallel. As is the myth that ancient literature has always expected and portrayed women in a certain way....this book by giving and explaining examples from mythology has busted that myth right in the face.
This work comes as a refreshing change and helps us understand n interpret puranic examples in the most contemporary way.
I highly recommend it to everyone irrespective of gender and age.
This book has been written in such a manner that readers at all reading levels can read understand and adapt the teachings of the puranic stories into the current lifestyle

[Vaidehi Sharma]

Awaken the Durga Within is not just a boring self-help book which will preach and shut but it also has some factors which make it stand out from others. First, embedded with mytho-shorts which pop-up when relevant in order to give examples. Second, it has day to day references with which you can connect and relate. This book will not pull you out of your problems; only you can do that but it can definitely tell you how you can do that.

[Nethra Ram]

I'm only going to say that this book is okay because it only skims the surface of this ugly problem of sexism, and the Indian society. I find it incredibly frustrating (as do most women) that while books such as these give advice on the lines of being assertive and such, most of it does not work in everyday life if you want to retain compassion and kindness. Perhaps, I haven't found the magic formula yet. I found these stories insufficient in that they simply said "oh no, that's not how this character was originally portrayed". When it has been ingrained in every psyche around you that women's needs don't matter, a simple na-hunh they do isn't going to suffice. And the fact that I'm expected to be a 1000 times more stronger to deal with all this crap, in order to break down the million expectations already placed on me tires me on an existential level. A simplified angle on historical brainwashing ain't going to help with that.

[Reshma Ranjan]

If you are a woman who is feeling low and need that push and energy to get the zing and power back in life, then this book is certainly for you. And as Usha Narayanan has very wisely said women facing violence and other severe mental traumas should contact the right help. And this book is not for the moment when you hit rock bottom but for the time when you can gain back control.

[Sudesna Ghosh]

A unique book that inspires women through stories of women in mythology.

[Avantika]

A gift of reading to myself on my birthday

When I started reading this book, I neither knew the author Usha Ma'am nor I really knew what is this book about.

The first chapter was read with a confused state of mind. When I read the 2nd chapter, I was so much in love and went back to re-read the chapter one. The way the author gives new insights to already known/lesser known parts of mythology and connects mythology to real life, the practical examples, everything about this book is amazing.

I really loved the example where she mentioned how one tends to imitate the lead actress for sometime after watching a movie.

I have attended corporate trainings where they teach about passive, aggressive and assertive behaviour. Believe me, it works!

Thank you so much Usha Maam, I checked out your book as Amazon was giving out a few free reads during the beginning of the pandemic in India. Though checked out, I gave the gift of reading to myself only on my birthday in November. My best ever birthday gift :)

[Sanvi Speaks]

This book got to me at the right time ❤️‍🩹

I was feeling low and down for a while and it definitely helped me handle myself better 😄
I usually don't read non-fiction self-help books but this is going to be with me for a while ❤️
It didn't ask you to take drastic changes or completely start anew but it suggests to include little changes and compromises to make yourself better ✔️
As an introvert I can't so no to people and they consider me as a submissive one. So speaking for myself, saying No to others these little things do make lot of changes. I come from a conservative middle class joint family, and yes I have to be agreeable understanding and a disciplined daughter who follows and listens to them. Touchwood my parents allow me to have my freedom😇 but to say no and take my stand is really important for me as it is getting overwhelming creating too much pressure and stress that I might have blown up 😶‍🌫️ Those few days were really stressful and I was on the verge of breaking 🥺 so saying No and following what they say may seem like little issues but I was losing myself in order to become what they want from me. My wishes and cincerns were neglected so YES me standing up for myself was needed at that point 😭 and I am happy I did that 😀 I got a little teeny tiny bit of control over things ❤️‍🩹

Ok end of my rant 😃
This book really helped to get back to normalcy 😀 I really appreciate the author for such kind of writing including the epic stories of our ancient history into the book to empower us ❤️

If you like reading epic/hindu dharmic stories of Goddess Kali, Seetha, Sati, Anasuya, Parvathi, then you should read it 🤩 This book includes stories of such powerful Goddesses and what inspiration should we take from them 🥰 This take on our puranas to learn from what they have said, to take the path what they have shown is really very well written ❤️‍🩹

I personally love reading books based on our epics and puranas, this is one of my favourite genre and it was what I needed at that point of time so this was book is really a 5⭐ read for me 😺

[Mala Ashok]

I have read Usha Narayanan's previous books so I know that she has a good knowledge of Mythology and unique perspectives of mythological stories. In this book she uses these stories to show women that even in a largely patriarchal society it is possible for women to assert themselves. Even the humble Sita who is portrayed as a wife who will never assert herself is shown by Narayanan to be a heroine in Adbhut Ramayana as a woman who asserts herself and brings her husband to life on the battlefield. Likewise, all women of ancient myth are shown to have a 'Durga"in themselves - a character who kills the demon Mahisasura. Every woman can find in mythology a character who has a shakti in herself. This book shows women how to assert themselves in all spheres of their lives. A handy book.

[Natasha]

This is a fantastic read. It tells what women must do and say to be more assertive in a society which considers them second class citizens and a burden. Lessons are taught by giving examples from Indian mythology and how those women fought and stood for equality. If you are looking for a quick read, this is the one.

[Madhvi]

A must read for all women to help them better understand themselves... and men to understand the ambitions, dreams, aspirations and struggles of most women around us. This book will empower the world and better treat women to help them achieve their goals.

[Abhishek]

Uplifting & empowering one

Practical advice to flourish in life with mythology woven in skillfully to make readers understand better and give effective examples.