पुरुषादेवी
 
Puruṣādevī – A Sanskrit Graphic Novel Translated by M.D. Dileep
Original Story: B. Prasad | Illustrations: Manoj Mattassery
 
Puruṣādevī, a Sanskrit graphic novel translated by Sri M.D. Dileep as part of the Live Sanskrit initiative, presents the stirring tale of Pēṇṇaraśśunāṭu, a matriarchal kingdom ruled for generations by women of royal lineage.
 
At the helm of this land stands Queen Puruṣādevī, a sovereign of unmatched valour and dignity. In Pēṇṇaraśśunāṭu, women serve as ministers, warriors, and commanders. The prosperity of the land draws the envy of Ceṁpaṇmuṭi, king of the neighbouring kingdom Kāvallūr. In a fit of jealousy, he invades the land but is defeated by the unmatched military prowess of the queen and her women warriors.
 
Humiliated, Ceṁpaṇmuṭi conspires with Kāṭāttirāja, a forest king, and stages a deceitful second assault. This time, Queen Puruṣādevī is betrayed and slain. But her spirit is unyielding—reborn with divine purpose, she rises again to avenge injustice and uphold the dharma of her people.
 
This powerful story forms part of a five-book yakṣī legend series, aiming to reinterpret the traditional yakṣī narratives of Kerala—not as tales of horror, but as histories of bravery, suffering, resurrection, and redemption. These stories highlight women who lived exemplary lives, faced betrayal and untimely deaths, only to return as agents of cosmic justice—later revered as benevolent spirits and protectors.
 
In bringing this Malayalam tale into Sanskrit, Sri M.D. Dileep not only bridges a literary divide but enriches Sanskrit literature with the depth and courage of Kerala’s unsung heroines. The graphic novel format, visually rich and narratively compelling, makes this legend accessible to young readers and Sanskrit learners alike.
 
Puruṣādevī is a celebration of female sovereignty, cultural identity, and the triumph of truth over treachery—a landmark addition to contemporary Sanskrit storytelling