Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 27
Kali-yuga’s Degradation, the Advent of Kalki, and the Reset of the Yuga Cycle
सप्तर्षीणां तु यौ पूर्वौ दृश्येते उदितौ दिवि । तयोस्तु मध्ये नक्षत्रं दृश्यते यत् समं निशि ॥ २७ ॥ तेनैव ऋषयो युक्तास्तिष्ठन्त्यब्दशतं नृणाम् । ते त्वदीये द्विजा: काल अधुना चाश्रिता मघा: ॥ २८ ॥
saptarṣīṇāṁ tu yau pūrvau dṛśyete uditau divi tayos tu madhye nakṣatraṁ dṛśyate yat samaṁ niśi
Of the seven stars forming the constellation of the seven sages, Pulaha and Kratu are the first to rise in the night sky. If a line running north and south were drawn through their midpoint, whichever of the lunar mansions this line passes through is said to be the ruling asterism of the constellation for that time. The Seven Sages will remain connected with that particular lunar mansion for one hundred human years. Currently, during your lifetime, they are situated in the nakṣatra called Maghā.
FAQs
This verse explains an observational method: by noting which nakshatra appears aligned between the two foremost-rising Saptarishis, one can track their celestial position as part of a time cycle.
In the context of describing Kali-yuga and its progression, Śukadeva provides traditional time markers—astronomical cycles used to locate eras and calculate periods.
It encourages disciplined observation and awareness of time’s flow—supporting a reflective life where one prioritizes dharma and devotion amid changing ages.