Shloka 15
कलिस्वरूप-वर्णनम् एवं कालमान-प्रस्तावना
उपवासस् तथायासो वित्तोत्सर्गस् तथा कलौ धर्मो यथाभिरुचितैर् अनुष्ठानैर् अनुष्ठितः
upavāsas tathāyāso vittotsargas tathā kalau dharmo yathābhirucitair anuṣṭhānair anuṣṭhitaḥ
In the age of Kali, dharma is performed through observances suited to one’s capacity—fasting, earnest exertion, and the relinquishing of wealth in dāna; thus righteousness is practiced by chosen disciplines, according to one’s inclination and strength.
Sage Parāśara (in dialogue with Maitreya)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: What forms of dharma remain practicable in Kali-yuga?
Teaching: Ethical
Quality: compassionate
Concept: In Kali-yuga, dharma is sustained through attainable disciplines—fasting, earnest effort, and charity—chosen according to one’s capacity and disposition.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Adopt sustainable vows (moderate upavāsa), consistent seva, and regular giving; prioritize continuity and sincerity over extremity.
Vishishtadvaita: Supports the Vishishtadvaita emphasis on embodied practice (service, giving) as meaningful offerings to the Lord within the real, value-laden world.
Bhakti Type: Shanta
FAQs
This verse states that in Kali-yuga dharma is sustained through accessible practices—fasting, sincere effort, and charitable giving—chosen according to one’s capacity.
Parāśara presents Kali-yuga dharma as adaptable: rather than demanding uniform austerities, it is fulfilled through suitable observances (anushthānas) aligned with a person’s ability and circumstances.
By defining yuga-dharma, the Purana frames moral order as part of Vishnu’s cosmic governance—dharma persists even in Kali through practicable disciplines that keep beings aligned with the Supreme Reality.