Shloka 44
कलिस्वरूप-वर्णनम् एवं कालमान-प्रस्तावना
यदा यदा हि पाषण्डवृद्धिर् मैत्रेय लक्ष्यते तदा तदा कलेर् वृद्धिर् अनुमेया विचक्षणैः
yadā yadā hi pāṣaṇḍavṛddhir maitreya lakṣyate tadā tadā kaler vṛddhir anumeyā vicakṣaṇaiḥ
Whenever, O Maitreya, an upsurge of pāṣaṇḍa—deceptive teachings and conduct that corrode dharma—is seen, then the wise should infer that the power and spread of Kali are increasing.
Sage Parāśara (addressing Maitreya)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: How to recognize the increase (vृद्धि) of Kali in society
Teaching: Ethical
Quality: revealing
Concept: The rise of pāṣaṇḍa is a diagnostic sign by which the wise infer Kali’s growing dominance.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Practice viveka: test teachings and conduct against śruti-smṛti; seek authentic sampradāya guidance and avoid dharma-eroding shortcuts.
Vishishtadvaita: Affirms śāstra-prāmāṇya (scriptural authority) and the need for right conduct as an expression of true devotion to the Supreme.
Bhakti Type: Shanta
FAQs
This verse treats the rise of pāṣaṇḍa—religious and ethical distortions that erode dharma—as a clear symptom by which discerning people recognize Kali’s growing influence.
Parāśara frames Kali not only as a time-period but as a strengthening force seen through observable markers—chiefly the spread of dharma-opposing beliefs and behaviors.
By mapping moral disorder to yuga-dynamics, the text implies that dharma’s true measure and restoration ultimately rest under Vishnu’s supreme governance across cosmic time.