The Latent Power of Childhood: Lessons from the Divine Feats of Lord Krishna

Two timeless tales of Lord Krishna as an infant and as a child, vanquishing the forces of evil sent to kill him.

The Latent Power of Childhood

Never underestimate a child, whether in the field of contest, politics, or any other arena. Children often possess remarkable strength and resilience that can defy expectations and alter outcomes. This timeless lesson is vividly illustrated in the life of Lord Krishna, whose extraordinary feats as a child continue to inspire awe and reverence. Here are two episodes from his childhood that demonstrate his divine power and wisdom, outmatching even the most formidable adversaries— stories of how Lord Krishna as a child slayed the demons Putana and Trinavarta:

Krishna Slays Putana

Putana was a demoness sent by Krishna's evil uncle Kamsa to kill baby Krishna. She possessed many magical powers. One morning, Putana transformed herself into a beautiful maiden and entered Krishna's village of Gokul. The villagers were stunned by her beauty and thought a goddess had descended from heaven to bless Krishna.

Putana located Krishna's house and saw him lying in a cradle, surrounded by ladies. She realised Krishna was no ordinary child but divine. Putana introduced herself and requested Krishna's mother Yashoda to allow her to feed Krishna. Yashoda, thinking Putana was a goddess, agreed.

Before picking up Krishna, Putana had poisoned her breasts with venom from the deadliest snake. She took Krishna to the backyard and started feeding him, expecting him to die within minutes. Instead, she felt Krishna sucking the life out of her. She tried to put him down, but he held on tightly.

Putana reverted to her original demonic form and flew up in the air to scare Krishna into letting go. But he kept sucking her life. Eventually, Krishna drained Putana of all life, and her lifeless body fell to the ground. The villagers were terrified but found Krishna playing happily on Putana's body, realising he was no ordinary child but divine.

Krishna Slays Trinavarta

When Krishna was three years old, Kamsa sent the whirlwind demon Trinavarta to kill him. This was during the celebration of Krishna's birthday. Using his powers, Krishna made himself very heavy in his mother Yashoda's lap. She put him down and left to do housework.

Trinavarta then came as a powerful dust storm, making everything dark. He kidnapped baby Krishna in the storm and flew higher and higher into the sky, intending to throw Krishna down and kill him. However, Krishna made himself so heavy that Trinavarta could no longer fly up. Krishna then caught hold of the demon's neck. Trinavarta felt Krishna to be as heavy as a mountain. He tried to escape but could not get out of Krishna's grip.

Crying fiercely as his eyes popped out, Trinavarta plummeted to the ground and died as he hit the hard surface. But Krishna emerged unscathed. All the people of Vrindavan saw Trinavarta's smashed body and realised the divine nature of Krishna.

Summing Up

In these ways, even as an infant and toddler, Krishna displayed his superhuman powers and divine identity by killing powerful demons like Putana and Trinavarta who tried to slay him. These pastimes inspire devotion and wonder in the childhood deeds of Krishna. They serve as a timeless reminder: never underestimate or deride a child, for their potential to influence and transform the world around them is boundless.

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