Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 39
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
These barbarians in the guise of kings will devour the citizenry, murdering innocent women, children, cows and brāhmaṇas and coveting the wives and property of other men. They will be erratic in their moods, have little strength of character and be very short-lived. Indeed, not purified by any Vedic rituals and lacking in the practice of regulative principles, they will be completely covered by the modes of passion and ignorance.
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, disrespect for others’ spouses and property, unstable power, and diminished vitality and lifespan.
Śukadeva warns Parīkṣit about the future decline under Kali so the listener takes shelter of bhakti and truth rather than trusting social power and external “religion” in an age of hypocrisy.
Protect dharma through personal integrity—nonviolence, respect for women and family ethics, honoring brāhmaṇical values (truthfulness, cleanliness), and taking steady shelter of devotional practice.