Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 40
Kali-yuga Dynasties and the Degradation of Kingship
स्त्रीबालगोद्विजघ्नाश्च परदारधनादृता: । उदितास्तमितप्राया अल्पसत्त्वाल्पकायुष: ॥ ३९ ॥ असंस्कृता: क्रियाहीना रजसा तमसावृता: । प्रजास्ते भक्षयिष्यन्ति म्लेच्छा राजन्यरूपिण: ॥ ४० ॥
strī-bāla-go-dvija-ghnāś ca para-dāra-dhanādṛtāḥ uditāsta-mita-prāyā alpa-sattvālpakāyuṣaḥ
Diese Barbaren im Gewand von Königen werden die Bürgerschaft verschlingen, unschuldige Frauen, Kinder, Kühe und Brāhmaṇas ermorden und die Frauen und das Eigentum anderer Männer begehren. Sie werden launisch sein, sehr kurzlebig und vollständig von den Erscheinungsweisen der Leidenschaft und Unwissenheit bedeckt sein.
These verses give a concise, accurate description of the fallen leaders of this age.
FAQs
This verse lists Kali-yuga degradation: violence toward women, children, cows, and brāhmaṇas, along with greed, adultery, instability, weak character, and shortened lifespan.
Śukadeva explains the future condition of society in Kali-yuga to orient Parīkṣit toward urgency in spiritual practice and detachment from worldly expectations.
Protect the vulnerable, uphold truth and purity, avoid exploitation and greed, and strengthen spiritual discipline so one is not swept away by Kali-yuga habits.