Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 40
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
Ces barbares déguisés en rois dévoreront la population, assassinant femmes, enfants, vaches et brāhmaṇas innocents, et convoitant les épouses et les biens d'autrui. Ils seront d'humeur changeante, auront une vie très courte et seront complètement recouverts par les modes de la passion et de l'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, along with greed, adultery, instability, weak character, and shortened lifespan.
Śukadeva explains the future condition of society in Kali-yuga to orient Parīkṣit toward urgency in spiritual practice and detachment from worldly expectations.
Protect the vulnerable, uphold truth and purity, avoid exploitation and greed, and strengthen spiritual discipline so one is not swept away by Kali-yuga habits.