Pūtanā

Pūtanā was a fearsome demoness who disguised herself as a young, beautiful woman in order to kill the infant-god Krishna. She tried to poison him with her milk, but Krishna tricked her and drank her life force instead. Pūtanā is a fascinating figure in Hindu mythology. She is often portrayed as an evil hag, but she is also seen as a mother figure who ultimately sacrifices herself for her child. This duality makes her a complex and compelling character. Pūtanā is also associated with disease and desire. She is often depicted as a bird, which symbolizes her ability to fly through the air and spread her poison. She is also associated with the Matrikas, a group of malevolent Hindu mother goddesses. Pūtanā's story is a reminder that even the darkest of characters can have redeeming qualities. She is a complex and fascinating figure who deserves to be better known.