Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 38
The Earth Laughs at World-Conquering Kings; Yuga-Dharma and the Remedy for Kali
शूद्रा: प्रतिग्रहीष्यन्ति तपोवेषोपजीविन: । धर्मं वक्ष्यन्त्यधर्मज्ञा अधिरुह्योत्तमासनम् ॥ ३८ ॥
śūdrāḥ pratigrahīṣyanti tapo-veṣopajīvinaḥ dharmaṁ vakṣyanty adharma-jñā adhiruhyottamāsanam
カリ・ユガには、卑俗な者が苦行の装いと托鉢僧の衣で生計を立て、施しを受ける。ダルマを知らぬ者が高座に上り、宗教の原理を語ると称する。
The epidemic of bogus gurus, swamis, priests and so forth is explicitly described here.
FAQs
This verse warns that in Kali-yuga people who do not truly know dharma will sit on prestigious seats and preach, while living off religious appearance rather than genuine austerity and realization.
Śukadeva speaks to Parīkṣit about the coming age’s degradation so the king—and listeners—can understand the nature of Kali-yuga and take shelter of authentic bhakti and true dharma rather than external show.
Evaluate spiritual guidance by character, consistency, and service to truth—not by dress, title, platform, or popularity; seek dharma rooted in devotion, integrity, and scriptural understanding.