Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 40
अनरण्यसुता–पिप्पलादचरितम् / The Episode of Anaraṇya’s Daughter and Sage Pippalāda
पादक्षयश्च भविता त्रेतायां च सुरोत्तम । पादोपरे द्वापरे च तृतीयोऽपि कलौ विभो
pādakṣayaśca bhavitā tretāyāṃ ca surottama | pādopare dvāpare ca tṛtīyo'pi kalau vibho
噢，诸天中最胜者，在特雷塔纪，法将减损一分（四分之一）。在堕婆罗纪，又失去一分；而在迦梨纪，噢大能者，第三分亦将衰落。
Lord Shiva
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Īśāna
Cosmic Event: Yuga-cycle dharma decline: Satya (4 pādas) → Tretā (3) → Dvāpara (2) → Kali (1)
FAQs
It teaches that as the yugas progress, dharma steadily weakens; therefore the soul (paśu) must rely more consciously on Shiva (Pati) through devotion, right conduct, and grace to remain aligned with truth and attain liberation.
When dharma declines, external supports for spirituality also weaken; Linga-worship of Saguna Shiva becomes a stable, accessible anchor—centering life on Shiva’s presence, purity, and discipline even in Kali Yuga.
A practical takeaway is steady japa of the Panchakshara (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) with daily Shiva-puja (Linga-abhiṣeka), supported by vibhūti (Tripuṇḍra) and rudrākṣa as reminders of restraint and devotion.