Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, 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
Sinabi ni Śrī Śukadeva: O Hari, dahil sa makapangyarihang impluwensiya ng Kali-yuga, ang dharma, katotohanan, kalinisan, pagtitiis, awa, pati haba ng buhay, lakas ng katawan, at alaala ay unti-unting liliit araw-araw.
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.