Attacking Asuras

Chapter 6, 7

Putana: Sent by Kamsa, the demoness arrived in Gokula disguised as a beautiful maiden. She nonchalantly walked into the bedroom of Krishna, placed Him on her lap, and offered her breast which was smeared with poison. Understanding her purpose, Krishna clasped her breast and sucked her entire life out, after which she collapsed on the ground and revealed her ghastly, demoniac form. As Krishna danced upon her body, the anxious inhabitants of Vrindavana lovingly picked Him up and performed various rituals of protection. Despite her inimical attitude, Putana was transferred to the spiritual world.

Sakatasura: When Krishna turned three months old, His mother celebrated a rite of passage while He lay under a cart in a cradle. When Krishna awoke from His slumber, He began to cry for milk and powerfully thrust His legs upward. That kick collapsed the entire cart, within which the demon Sakatasura was hiding, and everything fell crashing to the ground. The demon was immediately killed, though Krishna remained unharmed.

Trinavarta: On another occasion, while holding her baby, Yasoda could no longer bear Krishna’s weight. After putting Him down, a huge whirlwind appeared which blinded everyone. That dust storm was caused by Trinavarta, who utilised the opportunity to swiftly kidnap Krishna. While flying in the sky, Krishna again became too heavy to carry, and being unable to let go of Krishna, the demon came hurtling down and died.