Shloka 1
Kali-yuga’s Degradation, the Advent of Kalki, and the Reset of the Yuga Cycle
श्रीशुक उवाच ततश्चानुदिनं धर्म: सत्यं शौचं क्षमा दया । कालेन बलिना राजन् नङ्क्ष्यत्यायुर्बलं स्मृति: ॥ १ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca tataś cānu-dinaṁ dharmaḥ satyaṁ śaucaṁ kṣamā dayā kālena balinā rājan naṅkṣyaty āyur balaṁ smṛtiḥ
ശ്രീശുകൻ പറഞ്ഞു—ഹേ രാജാവേ, കലിയുഗത്തിന്റെ ശക്തമായ സ്വാധീനത്താൽ ധർമ്മം, സത്യം, ശൗചം, ക്ഷമ, ദയ എന്നിവയും ആയുസ്സ്, ദേഹബലം, സ്മൃതി എന്നിവയും ദിനംപ്രതി ക്ഷയിക്കും।
During the present age, Kali-yuga, practically all desirable qualities will gradually diminish, as described in this verse. For example, dharma, which indicates a respect for higher authority that leads one to obey religious principles, will diminish.
FAQs
It describes a gradual daily decline of core virtues—dharma, truthfulness, cleanliness, forgiveness, and mercy—along with reduced lifespan, strength, and memory due to the influence of time.
Because Parīkṣit, nearing death, asked about the future of the world; Śukadeva explains Kali-yuga’s conditions so the King (and listeners) can focus on the most essential spiritual shelter.
By consciously cultivating truthfulness, purity, forgiveness, and compassion—knowing these qualities naturally weaken in Kali-yuga—and by prioritizing steady spiritual practice to counter forgetfulness and mental decline.