Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 20
Kali-yuga’s Degradation, the Advent of Kalki, and the Reset of the Yuga Cycle
अश्वमाशुगमारुह्य देवदत्तं जगत्पति: । असिनासाधुदमनमष्टैश्वर्यगुणान्वित: ॥ १९ ॥ विचरन्नाशुना क्षौण्यां हयेनाप्रतिमद्युति: । नृपलिङ्गच्छदो दस्यून्कोटिशो निहनिष्यति ॥ २० ॥
aśvam āśu-gam āruhya devadattaṁ jagat-patiḥ asināsādhu-damanam aṣṭaiśvarya-guṇānvitaḥ
Ang Panginoong Kalki, ang May-ari ng sansinukob, ay sasakay sa mabilis na kabayong Devadatta; tangan ang espada, lilibot Siya sa daigdig na ipinahahayag ang walong kapangyarihan at mga banal na katangian. Sa di-mapapantayang liwanag at matinding bilis, lilipulin Niya nang milyun-milyon ang mga magnanakaw na naglakas-loob magbihis na parang mga hari.
These verses describe the thrilling pastimes of Lord Kalki. Anyone would be attracted by the sight of a powerful, beautiful man riding on a wonderful horse at lightning speed, chastising and devastating cruel, demonic people with the sword in His hand.
FAQs
This verse describes the Lord appearing as Kalki, mounting the swift horse Devadatta and wielding a sword to subdue the wicked at the end of Kali Yuga.
The sword signifies decisive divine intervention—Kalki’s mission is to chastise irreligious rulers and destroy rampant adharma when it becomes unbearable for the world.
It reminds a devotee that dharma is ultimately protected by the Lord; one should align with righteousness and devotion rather than the corrupt trends of Kali Yuga.