Shloka 36
Kali-yuga’s Degradation, the Advent of Kalki, and the Reset of the Yuga Cycle
एतेषां नामलिङ्गानां पुरुषाणां महात्मनाम् । कथामात्रावशिष्टानां कीर्तिरेव स्थिता भुवि ॥ ३६ ॥
eteṣāṁ nāma-liṅgānāṁ puruṣāṇāṁ mahātmanām kathā-mātrāvaśiṣṭānāṁ kīrtir eva sthitā bhuvi
Diese großen Seelen sind heute nur noch an Namen und Kennzeichen bekannt. Sie leben nur in Erzählungen der Vergangenheit fort, und auf Erden bleibt allein ihr Ruhm bestehen.
Although one may consider oneself to be a great, powerful leader, he will ultimately end up as a name in a long list of names. In other words, it is useless to be attached to power and position in the material world.
FAQs
This verse says that even great men eventually remain only as names and brief stories; what endures in the world is their kīrti—reputation—showing how time reduces worldly achievements.
In the Kali-yuga description, Śukadeva summarizes how dynasties and rulers pass away, teaching Parīkṣit the sobering power of time and the futility of material prominence compared to lasting spiritual purpose.
Invest less in temporary status and more in character, service, and devotion—so that one’s life leaves a meaningful legacy rather than only a forgotten name.