Penguin Random House India has announced the acquisition of two new books by Namratha Mohan, the creator of The Temple Girl, one of India’s most influential and fast-growing digital communities focused on spirituality, temples and cultural memory.

To be published under the Penguin Ananda imprint in early 2027, the books will centre on two of Hinduism’s most revered deities—Vishnu and Shiva—and aim to reinterpret living mythology for a contemporary audience. The first book, Vishnu, blends immersive reportage, personal reflection and narrative storytelling to explore the deity as a symbol of balance, consistency and devotion in an age marked by burnout and constant distraction. The second book will focus on Shiva, extending this modern cultural engagement with sacred traditions.

Known for her deeply researched yet emotionally resonant storytelling, Mohan brings a distinctive narrative voice shaped by years of documenting temple histories and lived spiritual practices across India. Her work has built a highly engaged digital following, positioning her at the intersection of tradition and contemporary cultural discourse.

Commenting on the acquisition, Namratha Mohan said, “The Temple Girl began as a way of listening—to temples and to the people who keep them alive. Over time, I realised these stories needed more space than a screen allows. Writing books on Vishnu and Shiva feels like a natural continuation of that listening.”

Premanka Goswami, Associate Publisher, Vintage, and Head of Backlist at Penguin Random House India, described Mohan as “a new frontier of cultural storytelling,” noting that her ability to make the sacred accessible aligns with the publisher’s aim of shaping mythological discourse for younger readers. Publisher Milee Ashwarya, Adult Division, added that the books extend Mohan’s long-standing engagement with India’s sacred geographies and spiritual traditions in an accessible, contemporary idiom.

The acquisition reinforces Penguin Random House India’s investment in high-impact voices redefining how modern India engages with mythology, spirituality and cultural inheritance, with the two-book series positioned for long-term relevance and cross-platform potential.