Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 39
The Earth Laughs at World-Conquering Kings; Yuga-Dharma and the Remedy for Kali
नित्यमुद्विग्नमनसो दुर्भिक्षकरकर्शिता: । निरन्ने भूतले राजननावृष्टिभयातुरा: ॥ ३९ ॥ वासोऽन्नपानशयनव्यवायस्नानभूषणै: । हीना: पिशाचसन्दर्शा भविष्यन्ति कलौ प्रजा: ॥ ४० ॥
nityam udvigna-manaso durbhikṣa-kara-karśitāḥ niranne bhū-tale rājan anāvṛṣṭi-bhayāturāḥ
In Kali-yuga people’s minds will be ever agitated. O King, emaciated by famine and taxation, they will be continually distressed by fear of drought. Deprived of clothing, food and drink, rest, conjugal pleasure, bathing, and ornaments, they will gradually appear like ghostly, haunted beings.
The symptoms described here are already prevalent in many countries of the world and will gradually spread to other places engulfed by impiety and materialism.
FAQs
In 12.3.39, Śukadeva describes Kali-yuga people as constantly anxious, weakened by famine and oppressive taxes, and distressed by fear of drought and lack of rain.
Parīkṣit Mahārāja inquired about the future course of the ages; Śukadeva answers by listing Kali-yuga’s characteristics to awaken detachment and urgency for bhakti.
Recognize anxiety and insecurity as Kali-yuga conditions and respond by simplifying life, cultivating faith, and prioritizing steady devotional practice (śravaṇa-kīrtana) over endless material solutions.