Another Ogress - Pootana

Yet another legend says that there was an Ogress known as Pootana.

Lord Krishna's devil uncle Kansa seeked the help of Pootana to kill infant Krishna by feeding him poisonous milk.

Pootana disguised herself as a simple and pious woman and treacherously fed baby Krishna with her poisoned breast. Lord Krishna, however, sucked her blood which revealed the monster behind that pious woman and laid her to death.

On the night before Holi, there is a practice to burn an effigy of Pootana - the Ogress who nearly killed Lord Krishna. The tradition is symbolic of victory of divinity over demonic forces. It also shows the end of winter and darkness - as typified by Pootana.

Pootana, also known as Putana or Puyan, is a significant figure in Hindu mythology, particularly in the tales of Lord Krishna's childhood. She is often depicted as a demoness or ogress sent by the evil king Kamsa to kill the infant Krishna.

Pootana disguised herself as a beautiful woman and approached Yashoda's house, where Krishna was living. She offered to breastfeed Krishna, but her intention was to poison him with her milk. However, Krishna, being all-knowing, understood her true nature and divine mission. He suckled her milk, and in the process, Pootana's true form was revealed, with her monstrous size and evil intent exposed.

The story of Pootana serves as a reminder of the constant presence of evil in the world and the need for vigilance and righteousness to overcome it. It also highlights the protective nature of the divine, especially towards those who are pure of heart.

Despite her attempts to kill him, Krishna, with his divine powers, sucked the life out of Pootana, ultimately defeating her. This event is celebrated in Hindu lore as the victory of good over evil and is often portrayed in art and storytelling.