Shloka 4
Pūtanā-mokṣa — The Witch Pūtanā’s Attempt and Kṛṣṇa’s Deliverance
सा खेचर्येकदोत्पत्य पूतना नन्दगोकुलम् । योषित्वा माययात्मानं प्राविशत् कामचारिणी ॥ ४ ॥
sā khe-cary ekadotpatya pūtanā nanda-gokulam yoṣitvā māyayātmānaṁ prāviśat kāma-cāriṇī
सा खेचर्येकदोत्पत्य पूतना नन्दगोकुलम् । योषित्वा माययात्मानं प्राविशत् कामचारिणी ॥ ४ ॥
Rākṣasīs learn mystic powers by which they can travel in outer space without machines. In some parts of India there are still such mystical witches, who can sit on a stick and use it to fly from one place to another in a very short time. This art was known to Pūtanā. Assuming the feature of a very beautiful woman, she entered Nanda Mahārāja’s abode, Gokula.
FAQs
Pūtanā came with a murderous intention toward infant Kṛṣṇa, using illusion to enter Gokula unnoticed by appearing as a beautiful woman.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī is narrating to King Parīkṣit, describing how Pūtanā entered Nanda Mahārāja’s cowherd settlement.
This verse warns that harmful influences can arrive in attractive forms; devotees should cultivate discernment, seek sādhus and śāstra-guidance, and take shelter of Kṛṣṇa for protection.