? nandamay?± M? is one of the most renowned Hindu holy women of modern times. This book paints a portrait of this woman, her ideas, and her continuing influence, not just on her devotees, but on Westerners and other people who have come to know her through reading the numerous writings made of her life story. The book clarifies how M?'s devotees recognized her character in the context of Hindu culture. In the process, the book sheds light on important themes of Hindu religious life, including the centrality of the guru, the influence of living saints, and the apparent paradox of the worship of the divine feminine and the status of Hindu women.