Shloka 35
Yuga-Dharma, Kalpa Measure, Purāṇa Definitions, and the Kali-Yuga Power of Nāma-Kīrtana
विष्णुं न पूजयिष्यन्ति पाषण्डोपहता जनाः / कलेर्देषनिधेर्विप्रा अस्ति ह्येको महागुणः
viṣṇuṃ na pūjayiṣyanti pāṣaṇḍopahatā janāḥ / kalerdeṣanidherviprā asti hyeko mahāguṇaḥ
ผู้คนที่ถูกลัทธิหลงผิดครอบงำจะไม่บูชาพระวิษณุ; แต่โอ้ พราหมณ์ทั้งหลาย แม้กาลีจะเป็นคลังแห่งโทษ ก็ยังมีคุณยิ่งใหญ่อยู่ประการหนึ่ง
Unknown (narrative voice within Garuda Purana; commonly framed in the Vishnu–Garuda dialogue)
Concept: Though Kali abounds in faults and people fall into pāṣaṇḍa (misleading/anti-vedic paths) and neglect Viṣṇu, Kali still contains a singular great advantage (to be stated next).
Vedantic Theme: Grace-accessibility: even amid decline, the means to God remains open; bhakti can transcend yuga-conditions.
Application: Discriminate teachings (viveka) and anchor practice in Viṣṇu-bhakti; do not let cultural confusion displace devotion.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Immediate continuation 1.223.36 stating the ‘one great virtue’: nāma-kīrtana
FAQs
This verse highlights the Purana’s diagnosis of Kali-yuga as an age where false views and confusion weaken Viṣṇu-worship and dharma, setting the stage for the text’s recommended spiritual remedy.
By pointing to the decline of proper worship and right view, it implies that spiritual orientation (especially devotion to Viṣṇu) strongly shapes one’s destiny; the promised “one great virtue” of Kali-yuga is presented as a compensating means for upliftment.
Avoid misleading doctrines that erode ethical living and devotion; cultivate steady Viṣṇu-bhakti and sincere practice, trusting that even in difficult times there remains a powerful, accessible spiritual good.