How King Kamsa Sent the Witch Putana to Little Krishna

In Vrindavan, everyone rejoiced — Nanda and Yashoda had a beautiful baby boy named Krishna. 🌸

But far away in Mathura lived the wicked King Kamsa , who feared that this child would one day destroy him. So he came up with a terrible plan.

Kamsa: “Putana! You can take any form you wish and bring death to infants. Fly to Vrindavan and kill every newborn you find — especially Krishna! We don’t know what He looks like, so destroy every child you see!”

Putana (wickedly): “Yes, my king. I shall do as you command.”

The witch Putana flew to Gokula on the night wind. She went from house to house, stealing and killing innocent babies. At last, she arrived at the home of Mother Yashoda and Nanda Maharaja .

To hide her true form, she transformed into a stunningly beautiful woman — adorned with jewels and wearing a gentle, motherly smile. Everyone thought she was the goddess of fortune herself.

Cowherds (in awe): “What a radiant lady! Surely she has come to bless our child!”

No one stopped her as she entered Yashoda’s home and approached baby Krishna, who lay peacefully in His cradle.

Putana (to herself): “This child… He’s different. There is great power in Him. He must be the one King Kamsa fears. No matter — I will kill Him anyway.”

Krishna closed His eyes. Some say He didn’t want to see the wicked witch. Others say He was ready to accept her as a mother , since she came to offer her breast.

Putana (sweetly): “Ah, what a precious little boy! Come, let me feed you.”

She took Krishna into her arms and offered Him her poisoned breast.

Mother Yashoda and the gopis (whispering): “What a kind woman! She truly cares for our baby.”

But Krishna was no ordinary child.

Instead of dying, He began to nurse — drawing out not only her milk but also her very life.

Putana (screaming): “Aah! O child! Let me go! Let me go!”

Her cries shook the heavens and the earth.

She soared high into the sky with Krishna still in her arms, then crashed down to the ground — revealing her true, terrifying form: a monstrous giantess with fangs and blazing eyes.

Cowherds (in terror): “What is that?! A dreadful witch!”

Yet little Krishna sat calmly on her chest, playing as if nothing had happened.

Gopis (with joy): “Our Krishna is safe! Glory to Lord Vishnu!”

The women bathed Krishna in sacred cow urine, dust from the cows’ hooves, and chanted holy names to protect Him. Then Mother Yashoda took Krishna into her arms and held Him close to her heart.

Mother Yashoda (lovingly): “Now You are safe, my dear son.”

The villagers burned Putana’s enormous body, and to everyone’s surprise, the fire released a fragrance of aguru wood. They realized that even this evil witch had been blessed — for Krishna had accepted her milk.

And those who love Krishna sincerely receive blessings far greater still.