The Dark Legend of Putna: A Demoness in Mathura

In the ancient tales of Mathura, the narrative of Putna, a notorious rakshashi or demoness, looms large. Sent by Kansa, the tyrannical ruler, her cruel mission was to eliminate every newborn child, instigated by Kansa's fear of Lord Vishnu's avatar, Krishna. Putna was an entity of formidable power. With the ability to fly and transform her form, she lured innocent infants with her beauty and charm. What made Putna particularly terrifying was her nefarious method of execution. Coating her breasts with a potent poison, she approached new mothers, pretending to be a nurturing figure. The unsuspecting mothers would welcome her with open arms, allowing their infants to be subjected to her deadly embrace. This sinister tactic allowed her to infiltrate the homes of many families, as no one would suspect a charming woman, much less a gopi, to pose a danger. Putna's brilliance in disguise was matched only by her malevolence, setting a stage of horror in Gokul and surrounding villages. One fateful day, Putna ventured into Gokul, seeking fresh prey.

At the time, Nandbawa, Krishna’s father, was occupied and had left for Mathura to settle his taxes with Kansa and reunite with his old friend, Vasudeva. Vasudeva, who was well aware of the peril surrounding their lineage, expressed deep concern for the wellbeing of his wife, Rohini, and his son, Balram. As a concerned father, he offered a heartfelt warning to Nandbawa: evil threats were looming over Gokul, which could endanger the lives of innocent children. With urgency looming, Nandbawa took the warning to heart and prepared to return to Gokul without delay.

Here in Gokul, the demoness Putna, now embodied as an enchanting gopi, moved with graceful elegance, drawing everyone’s attention. With her lovely appearance, she infiltrated Gokul with a deceptive ease. No one could suspect that behind her attractive facade lay a creature intent on bringing death to their children. As Putna successfully approached homes, she became bolder, her sinister plan unfolding. The villagers remained oblivious to the real danger lurking among them, while Putna prepared to strike at the heart of their families—their newborns. As she made her way to Nandbawa’s household, her deceitful plan was to target Krishna, the divine child who was unfathomably more than he seemed. Under the guise of a gopi, a heavenly maiden, Putna was able to approach young Krishna without raising any suspicions from his devoted mother, Yashoda. In the courtyard, Krishna played innocently, blissfully unaware of the danger that loomed ever closer. When Putna laid eyes on the remarkable child, a wave of allure washed over her. In her attempt to carry out her malevolent plan, she took Krishna into her lap, all while he remained blissfully unaware, with his eyes closed in innocent delight. As she attempted to breastfeed him, she could not fathom that she was cradling none other than the Lord of the Universe. The moment Krishna latched onto her breast, Putna's true nature was revealed. The infant Krishna's innocent yet divine act of drinking milk soon transformed into an overwhelming struggle for the demoness. Krishna, embodying unyielding strength, began to press hard, causing her immense discomfort. As Putna yelled in agony, her cries reverberated through the village, sending waves of fear among the inhabitants. The entire atmosphere shifted; the mothers of Gokul felt the piercing sound reverberate in their hearts, for they knew something extraordinary was taking place. As the pain intensified, Putna struggled to escape, shedding her deceptive form and revealing a horrifying existence that no one could ever have visualized. Attempting to flee from Krishna's grip, she attempted to take to the skies; however, Krishna's divine intervention was unwavering. He drained the life force from her, demonstrating the ultimate authority over evil. Her immense body fell to the earth, causing destruction across an expanse of nearly eighteen kilometers, crushing the trees underneath her as they succumbed to her weight. Following her defeat, the villagers of Gokul, led by a concerned Yashoda, rushed toward the fallen demoness, drawn by the unusual presence of Krishna playing innocently on her breast. This astonishing sight left them speechless.

Nandbawa hurried into the village, his heart pounding with urgency as he laid eyes on Punta's lifeless body sprawled on the ground. The sight was shocking, and without hesitation, he rallied the villagers around him, issuing a command to burn her body. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the villagers began cutting her body into several parts. This gruesome task was rooted in a belief that Putna, who had caused havoc in their lives, needed to be eradicated completely from their world. Little did they know that this act would lead to an unexpected revelation. As the flames flickered and devoured what remained of Putna, a curious phenomenon transpired. Instead of the anticipated stench of burning flesh, a wonderful scent emerged, enveloping the villagers in an aromatic embrace. It was as if the act of incineration had liberated Putna from her earthly binds, signaling that Krishna had intervened, freeing her from all the ill deeds attributed to her in life. This moment left the villagers perplexed, as they had expected nothing but a curse from her demise.

This narrative illustrates the complexity of familial relationships and the burdens one bears, even from those expected to provide safety, such as a maternal uncle. Krishna, a child ensnared in a web of danger, faced constant threats to his life from his own maternal uncle, who sought to extinguish his flame of existence. The trauma associated with this perpetual risk was immense, showcasing the harsh realities children can face when those closest to them become antagonists. For a child, the bond with a maternal uncle can often be a source of joyous connection and nurturing advice. In contrast, Krishna's experience reflects a stark reality wherein trust is shattered, leading to a tumultuous childhood fraught with challenges.

अक्षराणामकारोऽस्मि द्वन्द्व: सामासिकस्य च |
अहमेवाक्षय: कालो धाताहं विश्वतोमुख:

ॐ कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने। प्रणत क्लेशनाशाय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः॥