Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 33
Kali-yuga’s Degradation, the Advent of Kalki, and the Reset of the Yuga Cycle
यस्मिन् कृष्णो दिवं यातस्तस्मिन्नेव तदाहनि । प्रतिपन्नं कलियुगमिति प्राहु: पुराविद: ॥ ३३ ॥
yasmin kṛṣṇo divaṁ yātas tasminn eva tadāhani pratipannaṁ kali-yugam iti prāhuḥ purā-vidaḥ
Those who scientifically understand the past declare that on the very day that Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa departed for the spiritual world, the influence of the Age of Kali began.
Although technically Kali-yuga was to begin during the time of Lord Kṛṣṇa’s presence on earth, this fallen age had to wait meekly for the departure of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
FAQs
Bhagavatam 12.2.33 states that Kali-yuga commenced on the very day Śrī Kṛṣṇa departed from the world to His divine abode.
He links the onset of Kali-yuga with the Lord’s departure to show that when Kṛṣṇa’s manifest presence is no longer visible on earth, irreligion and degradation gain strength, marking Kali’s influence.
It urges seekers to take shelter of Kṛṣṇa through devotion—especially hearing and chanting His names and teachings—so that Kali’s influence does not overtake one’s character and spiritual focus.