JAPA TIME — Pūtanā approaches infant Kṛṣṇa in Gokula

Pramāṇa (Śāstra reference)

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.6.4 describes the rākṣasī Pūtanā entering Gokula in the guise of a beautiful woman. Verses 10.6.5–6 mention mallikā flowers in her hair, fine clothing, shining earrings and a lotus; the gopīs mistake her for the goddess of fortune. In Nanda’s home she finds Kṛṣṇa on a bed, His limitless power concealed like fire beneath ashes (10.6.7). Verse 10.6.8 explicitly says that Kṛṣṇa closes His eyes, knowing her intention; she then takes Him onto her lap. Yaśodā and Rohiṇī are present and do not intervene (10.6.9). Śrīla Prabhupāda’s purport to that verse explains their condition through yogamāyā. The painting selects the approach to the bed, before Pūtanā lifts the child. Lighting, fabric colours and the room’s decoration are artistic choices; the participants and actions follow the cited verses.

Saṅkṣepa (short meaning)

A stranger with flowers in her hair and a lotus in her hand enters Nanda’s home in Gokula. She is Pūtanā, concealing a hostile purpose behind a beautiful appearance. Infant Kṛṣṇa rests peacefully on His bed, His unlimited power hidden in His childhood pastime. Yaśodā and Rohiṇī watch quietly. The Lord knows who has approached Him, and the outcome of the encounter is already within His power.

Śāstra-pramāṇa (key points from the text)

Pūtanā assumes a disguise

The rākṣasī enters Gokula in the form of a beautiful woman (10.6.4).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.6.4–10; 10.6.35–38)

The villagers admire her appearance

Mallikā flowers, earrings, fine dress and a lotus lead the gopīs to think of the goddess of fortune (10.6.5–6).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.6.4–10; 10.6.35–38)

Kṛṣṇa rests in Nanda’s home

His power is concealed like fire under ashes; infancy does not limit the Lord (10.6.7).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.6.4–10; 10.6.35–38)

The Lord knows her purpose

Kṛṣṇa closes His eyes and Pūtanā takes Him onto her lap; Yaśodā and Rohiṇī do not stop her (10.6.8–9).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.6.4–10; 10.6.35–38)

The continuation reveals mercy

Pūtanā’s attempt to poison Kṛṣṇa ends in her death (10.6.10). Śukadeva later explains her exalted destination and the greatness of sincere maternal devotion (10.6.35–38).
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.6.4–10; 10.6.35–38)

Tattva (essential teaching) — with śāstra

The infant remains the Supreme Lord

The image of fire beneath ashes in 10.6.7 expresses concealed power, not the absence of power.

Kṛṣṇa knows the heart

Pūtanā’s appearance convinces those around her, but her purpose is known to the Lord (10.6.8).

The mothers participate through yogamāyā

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s purport to 10.6.9 explains Yaśodā and Rohiṇī’s response through the Lord’s internal potency.

Mercy surpasses hostile intention

In 10.6.35–38 Śukadeva compares Pūtanā’s benefit with the still greater sincere affection of Kṛṣṇa’s mothers. The Lord accepts even an outward semblance of maternal service.

Sevā today (practice for this day)

1. Hear the Holy Name attentively

During one round of japa, gently return your attention to the Holy Name, remembering Kṛṣṇa as the devotees’ shelter (10.6.3).

2. Offer sincere service

Perform one small act for the Lord’s pleasure and the devotees’ welfare with a sincere intention. This is a practical reflection on 10.6.35–36.

3. Read the account itself

Read SB 10.6.4–10 and 10.6.35–38 with Śrīla Prabhupāda’s purports, distinguishing the pictured moment from the subsequent events.

Upon a child’s bed the Lord’s limitless power lies concealed, like fire beneath ashes.

— Brief paraphrase of the image in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.6.7

How to use this darśanam page

View the image, read the narration and śāstra-pramāṇa, contemplate the tattva, and complete the practice through seva. Follow the sequence: darśana → śravaṇa → manana → seva.