A deadly plan was set into motion the day Putana entered Gokul. Disguised as a beautiful woman, she carried poison not just in her breast, but in her heart too. Her mission? Kill the infant, Krishna.
But what unfolded wasn’t just a tale of evil defeated. It was a powerful lesson about devotion, karma, and the unexpected paths to salvation.
Let’s explore the fascinating story of Putana, and how it still holds meaning for our lives today.
The Demoness with a Deadly Mission
Putana was a demoness sent by Kamsa, the cruel ruler of Mathura. Kamsa had heard a divine prophecy that his sister Devaki’s child would kill him. Fearing his death, he killed Devaki’s first six babies and planned to kill the eighth.
But Krishna, the eighth child, had already escaped. Nanda and Yashoda in Gokul were raising him in secret.
To hunt him down, Kamsa ordered Putana to kill every newborn baby in the region. She had magical powers and the ability to change her form at will. She often used her beauty to lure and destroy her victims.
When she reached Gokul, she appeared as a radiant woman with a motherly aura. Villagers were enchanted. No one suspected her real intention.
Krishna, The Eternal Protector
When Putana saw the baby Krishna lying peacefully, she pretended to be affectionate. Yashoda, unaware of the danger, allowed her to carry the child.
Putana gently placed baby Krishna on her lap. She offered him her poisoned breast. But Krishna, though just an infant, was the Supreme Being.
He began to suckle, not only drawing out the poisoned milk but also sucking out her very life force. Putana screamed in agony. Her true form emerged—a horrifying demoness with sharp claws and a towering figure.
Her cries shook the entire village. She fell to the ground, lifeless.
A Demoness Who Found Liberation
This part of the story surprises many. Despite her evil intent, Putana received liberation. She attained moksha.
Why?
Because she fed Krishna, the Divine, as a mother would—even if with poison. Her act, though meant to kill, was accepted as a distorted form of maternal love. Krishna, in his divine mercy, granted her salvation.
This story has depth. It shows that God sees the intent behind the action. Even flawed devotion has the power to purify.
Lessons We Can Learn from Putana’s Story
1. True Intention Matters More Than Appearance
Putana looked kind. She wore a lovely form. But her heart held evil. This reminds us to not judge by appearances. Always try to see the truth behind the surface.
In daily life, we often meet people who appear helpful but act out of selfish motives. Learning to see through such facades is a spiritual skill.
2. The Power Of Divine Mercy
Despite her crime, Putana found peace at the feet of Krishna. That shows how divine mercy works. It’s not always logical by worldly standards. It’s compassionate and inclusive.
This gives hope to all of us. No matter our past mistakes, we can always turn toward the divine.
3. Devotion Can Take Many Forms
Putana’s case is extreme, but it still carries a message. Sometimes, our actions are imperfect, but if done with a sense of surrender, they reach the Divine.
If you’ve ever offered a clumsy prayer, lit a lamp with no clear thought, or chanted mechanically, don’t feel guilty. The Divine knows your heart.
4. Evil Plans Cannot Overcome Divine Purpose
Kamsa tried many tricks. Putana was his most cunning attempt. But the divine plan cannot be defeated. Krishna not only survived but turned a deadly attack into a moment of grace.
This teaches us that when we walk the path of truth, obstacles may come—but divine protection is always present.
Putana’s Story as a Metaphor
Putana isn’t just a demoness in a myth. She also represents negative influences that try to poison us when we are vulnerable.
Think about the harmful habits or toxic people who disguise themselves as good. They may look appealing. They may even offer you comfort. But their intention is to drain your spirit.
Krishna within us—the inner strength, the voice of wisdom—can overcome these poisons. All we need is awareness and the will to resist.
The Divine Plays Out in Many Roles
What strikes people the most is Krishna’s calm acceptance of Putana. He didn’t punish her. He didn’t destroy her brutally. He simply absorbed her poison and gave her peace.
We often imagine justice as punishment. But divinity often sees what lies beneath. And that changes the way justice works.
This is a powerful example of compassion beyond judgment. And we can try to bring that into our own lives.
For instance, when someone wrongs us, we may hold on to anger. But if we can look deeper—see their hurt, confusion, or fear—we may find peace for ourselves too.
Celebrating Putana’s Story Today
Many people perform Krishna pujas and read this story during Janmashtami. But this tale isn’t just for religious occasions. It’s a guide we can reflect on every day.
We all meet our own versions of Putana—temptations, distractions, false promises. Recognizing them early can help protect our inner Krishna—the part of us that’s pure, joyful, and divine.
Final Thoughts: Putana’s Fate Was Her Own Doing
Putana came to kill. She died instead. But she also found liberation.
That’s the paradox of divine justice. It transforms even death into grace when there’s a spark of devotion.
If such mercy exists for a demoness, imagine what awaits us when we walk toward the Divine with open hearts.
So, the next time you hear the story of Putana, don’t just think of her as a villain. See her as a symbol—a reminder that even darkness can lead to light when touched by love.
What are the “Putanas” in your life? Have you faced challenges that disguised themselves as blessings? Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s reflect together on the wisdom hidden in our traditions.
