The story of Lord Krishna’s early life is not just a tale of gods, demons, and kings; it is a narrative that blends destiny, divine will, cosmic play, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. From his miraculous birth in the prison of Mathura to his astonishing victory over the demoness Putana as an infant, Krishna’s story illustrates how the hand of divinity protects dharma, even in the darkest of times.
For centuries, this episode from the Bhagavata Purana and other sacred texts has captured the imagination of devotees, scholars, and storytellers. It is more than myth—it is a guiding lesson on courage, trust in the divine, and the triumph of purity over deceit.
This retelling will journey step by step through the atmosphere of tyranny under Kansa, the miraculous birth of Krishna, the sinister mission of Putana, and the deeper symbolic meanings behind Krishna’s first act of divine heroism.
The Prophecy That Shook Mathura
Long before Krishna’s cry echoed in the prison cell of Mathura, a prophecy had set the stage for destiny. Kansa, the ruthless ruler of Mathura, was not merely a tyrant by accident but by choice. Arrogant, intoxicated by power, and paranoid about his throne, he ruled with fear rather than love.
On the fateful day of his sister Devaki’s wedding to Vasudeva, Kansa himself drove their chariot in a rare display of affection. But this moment of apparent joy was interrupted by a divine voice from the heavens:
“O foolish Kansa, the eighth child born to Devaki shall be your destroyer.”
This chilling proclamation pierced Kansa’s heart like a sword. His love for his sister turned instantly to rage and dread. Fearful of his own mortality and desperate to defy fate, Kansa drew his sword, ready to slay Devaki on the spot.
But Vasudeva intervened, pleading for his wife’s life. He assured Kansa that he would surrender every child born to them, sparing Kansa the need to kill his sister. Manipulated by his fear yet persuaded by Vasudeva’s promise, Kansa imprisoned both Devaki and Vasudeva, turning their marital chamber into a dungeon of despair.
Kansa’s Reign of Terror
What followed was a reign of terror that stained Mathura with blood. Each time Devaki gave birth, Vasudeva dutifully placed the newborn into Kansa’s hands. And each time, Kansa, without hesitation, ended the infant’s life.
The cries of Devaki echoed through the stone walls of the prison as six innocent children were slain one after another. This merciless act was not merely cruelty—it was Kansa’s futile attempt to outwit destiny.
Yet destiny is not so easily defeated. For every drop of innocent blood spilled, the universe was moving closer to balance, closer to the moment when dharma would rise again in the form of Krishna.
Divine Intervention: The Transfer of Balarama
When Devaki conceived her seventh child, something miraculous occurred. This child was no ordinary being but an incarnation of Ananta Shesha, the cosmic serpent and eternal companion of Lord Vishnu.
Before Kansa could strike again, the divine energy of Yogmaya intervened. She transferred the unborn child from Devaki’s womb to that of Rohini, another wife of Vasudeva, who was safe in the village of Gokul.
Thus, Balarama was born outside the prison walls, hidden from Kansa’s murderous eyes. He would later become Krishna’s elder brother and closest ally, embodying strength, loyalty, and the eternal bond of companionship.
The Miraculous Birth of Krishna
At last, the eighth conception took place. Devaki once again carried within her the light of destiny—Krishna himself, the Supreme Being who had descended to rid the world of adharma.
The night of his birth was no ordinary night. The stars shone brighter, the rivers flowed with unusual serenity, and a cosmic stillness enveloped the earth. As midnight struck, the prison cell lit up with divine radiance.
Krishna appeared—not as a helpless child but as the Supreme Lord in his divine form, holding the conch, discus, mace, and lotus. He reassured his parents:
“Fear not, dear mother and father. I have come to protect dharma and to rid the world of Kansa’s tyranny. Hide me in Gokul, for there I shall be raised until the time comes to fulfill my destiny.”
Out of compassion, Krishna then assumed the form of a mortal infant. With the shackles of the prison mysteriously loosening and the guards falling into a deep slumber, Vasudeva carried the child across the stormy Yamuna River to the village of Gokul.
There, he exchanged Krishna with the newborn daughter of Nanda and Yashoda. When Kansa tried to kill this child, she slipped from his grasp, transforming into the goddess Yogmaya. She mocked him:
“O foolish Kansa, the one who shall destroy you has already been born elsewhere.”
Thus, Krishna was safely hidden in Gokul, cradled in the love of Yashoda and Nanda, while Kansa’s heart grew darker with fear.
Putana’s Sinister Arrival
Kansa’s paranoia deepened with each passing day. His spies roamed the land, his soldiers scoured villages, and he ordered the massacre of countless newborns. Yet the divine child remained elusive.
Desperate, Kansa summoned one of his most dreadful allies—Putana, a fearsome demoness skilled in dark arts and infamous for killing infants.
Putana was no ordinary rakshasi. She had mastered the art of disguise, appearing as a beautiful, gentle woman. But beneath her illusion lay a monstrous being with cruel intentions. Her weapon was unique and insidious—she smeared her breasts with deadly poison and nursed infants to their death.
Disguised as a radiant woman with a motherly aura, she entered the village of Gokul. The villagers, unsuspecting of her evil, welcomed her warmly. Her beauty concealed the darkness within, and her soft words masked her deadly plan.
The Deception of Yashoda
Putana reached the house of Nanda and Yashoda, where the infant Krishna lay in his cradle. Yashoda, ever hospitable and trusting, saw in her the image of a kind stranger offering motherly affection.
Unaware of the lurking danger, Yashoda allowed Putana to hold Krishna. She believed the stranger’s intentions were pure, never imagining that death itself had entered her home.
Putana cradled Krishna in her arms, her heart filled with malicious triumph. She offered her poisoned breast to the divine child, confident that this would be the end of the prophecy.
Krishna’s Divine Response
But Krishna was no ordinary child. Though an infant in appearance, he was the Supreme Being, fully aware of Putana’s wicked intent.
As he began to suckle, he did not merely drink the poisoned milk—he drew out Putana’s very life force. Her disguise shattered. Her eyes widened in terror, her body convulsed, and she shrieked in agony.
The villagers watched in horror as Putana’s radiant form dissolved into her true demonic shape—gigantic, terrifying, and grotesque. She fell to the ground with a thunderous crash, lifeless, defeated by the tiny hands of Krishna.
The Symbolism of Putana’s Death
Putana’s defeat carries profound symbolic meaning in Indian mythology. She represents deceit, evil cloaked in beauty, and the poisonous influences that threaten innocence.
Krishna’s act was more than the killing of a demoness—it was the triumph of purity over corruption. By drinking the poisoned milk yet remaining untouched, Krishna symbolized how divinity transforms even the most toxic forces into instruments of liberation.
Interestingly, scriptures also describe Krishna granting Putana moksha (liberation). Though she came with the intent to kill, she nevertheless offered her body in the act of nursing. This selfless act, however twisted, was purified by Krishna’s touch.
Thus, Krishna’s mercy extended even to his enemies, demonstrating that the divine protects, redeems, and transforms.
Reactions in Gokul
The villagers of Gokul rushed to Yashoda’s home, trembling with fear as they beheld the fallen demoness. Yet, amidst the destruction, they found Krishna unharmed, playfully smiling as if nothing had happened.
Yashoda and Nanda were bewildered. How had their tiny child survived such a monstrous attack? They did not yet know his true nature, but they sensed that divine protection surrounded him.
The villagers marveled, realizing that this child was no ordinary boy. He was a beacon of hope, a living miracle, destined for greatness.
Broader Spiritual Lessons
The story of Putana is not confined to mythology—it resonates with deep spiritual truths relevant even today:
- Deceptive Appearances – Just as Putana disguised her evil intent, the world often presents temptations and dangers in attractive forms. True wisdom lies in discerning the truth behind appearances.
- Divine Protection – The episode reassures devotees that the divine never abandons the innocent. Even in the most helpless state, Krishna symbolizes protection and strength.
- Transformation Through Grace – Krishna’s granting of liberation to Putana demonstrates that divine grace transcends judgment. Even those steeped in evil can find redemption when touched by divinity.
- Victory of Dharma – The story reflects the eternal theme of dharma’s triumph over adharma, assuring humanity that righteousness will always prevail.
A Cornerstone of Krishna’s Early Life
Putana’s death was only the beginning. Many other demons would be sent by Kansa—Trinavarta, Bakasura, Aghasura, and more—but each would fall before the playful yet powerful child of Gokul.
This first victory, however, remains special. It was Krishna’s earliest demonstration of his divine power, accomplished not through armies or weapons, but through the innocence of a child.
Conclusion: The Eternal Inspiration
The tale of Krishna and Putana is more than a childhood story—it is a timeless reminder that evil, no matter how cleverly disguised, cannot overcome the divine. It is a story that assures us of protection when we trust in higher power, and it inspires us to see beyond appearances to the deeper truths of life.
In every retelling, this story continues to awaken faith, courage, and devotion. For devotees, Krishna’s playful smile in the face of danger is a promise that the divine is always present, shielding us from harm and guiding us toward the light of dharma.
Even today, as generations recite this story, it echoes a profound truth: where Krishna resides, fear cannot. Where Krishna smiles, darkness dissolves. And where Krishna acts, destiny unfolds.