Shloka 40
अनरण्यसुता–पिप्पलादचरितम् / The Episode of Anaraṇya’s Daughter and Sage Pippalāda
पादक्षयश्च भविता त्रेतायां च सुरोत्तम । पादोपरे द्वापरे च तृतीयोऽपि कलौ विभो
pādakṣayaśca bhavitā tretāyāṃ ca surottama | pādopare dvāpare ca tṛtīyo'pi kalau vibho
O best of the gods, in the Tretā age there will be a diminution of one quarter (of dharma). In the Dvāpara, another quarter will be lost; and in the Kali age, O mighty one, the third quarter too will decline.
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Īśāna
FAQs
It teaches that as the yugas progress, dharma steadily weakens; therefore the soul (paśu) must rely more consciously on Shiva (Pati) through devotion, right conduct, and grace to remain aligned with truth and attain liberation.
When dharma declines, external supports for spirituality also weaken; Linga-worship of Saguna Shiva becomes a stable, accessible anchor—centering life on Shiva’s presence, purity, and discipline even in Kali Yuga.
A practical takeaway is steady japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with daily Shiva-puja (Linga-abhiṣeka), supported by vibhūti (Tripuṇḍra) and rudrākṣa as reminders of restraint and devotion.