Lord Vishnu is a central deity in Hinduism, regarded as the preserver and protector of the universe. He is typically portrayed with blue skin and four arms, holding a discus, conch shell, mace, and lotus flower. Vishnu is associated with qualities such as benevolence, compassion, and the maintenance of cosmic order.
He is known for his avatars, or incarnations, including Rama and Krishna, who are believed to have manifested on Earth to restore balance and combat evil. Iconography often depicts Vishnu reclining on the cosmic serpent Shesha, with the goddess Lakshmi at his feet. He is closely linked to concepts of truth, righteousness, and mercy.
Many Hindus worship Vishnu to seek spiritual liberation and protection. A common devotional practice involves reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama, a hymn listing a thousand names of Vishnu, to invoke his blessings. Vishnu’s mythology is extensive and varied, encompassing numerous stories that explore his divine nature and the conflict between good and evil.
One such narrative involves Putana, a demoness who attempted to kill Vishnu in his infant form but was ultimately redeemed through his compassion.
The Tale of Putana, the Demoness
The Deceptive Demoness
Putana, a powerful demoness, was sent by the evil king Kamsa to kill Lord Vishnu as an infant. Disguising herself as a beautiful woman, she approached Lord Vishnu’s home, posing as a caring nurse, with the intention of feeding him poisoned milk.
The Thwarted Plan
Despite her malevolent intentions, Putana’s enchanting appearance allowed her to deceive everyone around her. She gained entry into Lord Vishnu’s home and began to nurse him with her poisoned milk. However, her plan was foiled by Lord Vishnu’s divine nature, who recognized her true form and purpose.
The Moral of the Story
The tale of Putana serves as a powerful reminder of the deceptive nature of evil and the constant vigilance required to protect oneself from harm. It also highlights the vulnerability of innocence in the face of malevolence and the need for divine intervention to safeguard the righteous.
Putana’s Deception and Attempt to Kill Lord Vishnu
Putana’s deception and attempt to kill Lord Vishnu as an infant are a testament to the cunning and treacherous nature of evil. Disguised as a beautiful woman, she was able to gain access to Lord Vishnu’s home and deceive everyone around her with her false appearance. Her intention was to feed Lord Vishnu poisoned milk, thereby ending his life before he could fulfill his destiny as the savior of the world.
Putana’s actions were driven by her allegiance to the evil king Kamsa, who sought to eliminate Lord Vishnu due to a prophecy that foretold his downfall at the hands of the divine infant. Putana’s willingness to carry out such a heinous act demonstrates the extent of her malevolence and her complete disregard for the sanctity of life. The tale of Putana’s deception and attempt to kill Lord Vishnu serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers posed by those who are driven by greed, power, and malevolence.
It also underscores the need for constant vigilance and discernment in identifying and thwarting evil in all its forms.
Lord Vishnu’s Compassion and Protection
Despite Putana’s malicious intentions, Lord Vishnu’s divine nature allowed him to see through her deceptive guise and recognize her true form as a demoness. In an act of boundless compassion and protection, Lord Vishnu intervened to save himself from Putana’s deadly plot. As Putana attempted to feed him poisoned milk, Lord Vishnu sucked out her life force along with the poison, ultimately causing her demise.
In doing so, he not only thwarted Putana’s evil plan but also liberated her from her demonic existence, granting her moksha or spiritual liberation. Lord Vishnu’s compassion and protection in the face of danger exemplify his unwavering commitment to upholding righteousness and safeguarding his devotees from harm. His actions also serve as a powerful demonstration of his divine grace and mercy, even towards those who seek to harm him.
Putana’s Redemption and Liberation
Following her demise at the hands of Lord Vishnu, Putana experienced a profound transformation that led to her redemption and liberation from her demonic existence. Despite her malevolent intentions, she was granted moksha or spiritual liberation by Lord Vishnu himself. Putana’s redemption serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of divine grace and compassion.
It also underscores the belief in Hinduism that even those who have committed grave sins can attain spiritual liberation through sincere repentance and divine intervention. The tale of Putana’s redemption and liberation highlights the boundless mercy and forgiveness offered by Lord Vishnu to all beings, regardless of their past actions or intentions. It also emphasizes the potential for spiritual growth and transformation, even for those who have strayed from the path of righteousness.
The Symbolism and Moral Lessons of the Tale
The tale of Putana holds deep symbolism and imparts valuable moral lessons that resonate across cultures and generations. Putana’s deceptive guise symbolizes the insidious nature of evil, which often masquerades as something benign or attractive. Her attempt to kill Lord Vishnu represents the perennial struggle between good and evil, highlighting the need for constant vigilance and discernment in identifying malevolence.
Lord Vishnu’s compassion and protection symbolize the unwavering commitment of divinity to safeguarding righteousness and offering redemption to those who seek it. His act of liberating Putana from her demonic existence serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of divine grace and forgiveness. The tale also imparts moral lessons about the consequences of malevolence and the potential for redemption through sincere repentance.
It underscores the belief in Hinduism that no being is beyond the reach of divine grace and that spiritual liberation is attainable for all who seek it.
The Significance of Lord Vishnu’s Victory over Evil
The tale of Putana underscores the significance of Lord Vishnu’s victory over evil and his unwavering commitment to upholding righteousness. His ability to recognize and thwart Putana’s malevolent intentions serves as a testament to his divine omniscience and omnipotence. Lord Vishnu’s victory over evil also symbolizes the triumph of righteousness over malevolence, offering hope and inspiration to his devotees in their own struggles against adversity.
It serves as a reminder that no matter how insidious or powerful evil may seem, it is ultimately no match for the boundless grace and protection offered by divinity. The tale of Putana further emphasizes the belief in Hinduism that ultimately, good will always prevail over evil, and that divine grace is ever-present for those who seek it. It serves as a source of comfort and reassurance for devotees facing their own trials and tribulations, reminding them that they are never alone in their struggles against malevolence.
If you are interested in learning more about Lord Vishnu and the tales surrounding him, you may want to check out this article on 50 Hindu pilgrimages in South India. It provides a comprehensive guide to some of the most important and sacred sites dedicated to various Hindu deities, including Lord Vishnu. You can find the article here.