As I beheld the scene from afar, curiosity drew me nearer. When the young woman noticed my approach, she immediately rose, visibly agitated, and addressed me with trembling words: “O holy one, please remain here a moment and soothe my distress. The very sight of a sage like you destroys the sins of the world. The words of the wise bring relief from suffering, and your presence itself is a sign of great fortune.” Moved by her plea, I, Nārada, inquired gently, “Who are you, revered lady? Who are these two with you, and who are these lotus-eyed women by your side? Please tell me in detail, O goddess, the cause of your sorrow.” The young woman replied, “I am known as Bhakti, and these two are my sons, Jñāna and Vairāgya. Time has rendered them old and frail. These other women, led by Gaṅgā, have come here out of remembrance and devotion to serve me. Yet, despite even the gods having worshipped me, I have found no true welfare. “O sage, rich in austerity, listen carefully to my story. Though it is well known, hearing it will bring you happiness. I was born in Drāviḍa, grew up in Karṇāṭaka, and in certain places of Mahārāṣṭra and Gurjara, I became aged. There, under the terrible influence of Kali, heretics assailed me, and I grew weak. For a long time, I languished in this feeble state, along with my sons. “Eventually, I returned to Vṛndāvana, where I regained my youth and beauty, blooming into my best form. Yet here, my sons lie exhausted and weary. I am about to leave this place for another land, burdened with sorrow that, though I am young, my sons have become so old. How has this strange reversal come about? It is natural for a mother to age and her sons to remain young, but with us, it is the opposite. My mind is filled with wonder and grief—please, O wise one, treasure of yoga, tell me the cause of this.” I, Nārada, replied to her, “Through knowledge, O sinless one, I perceive all this within the Self. Do not despair, for Hari will surely grant you auspiciousness.” Sūta, who was recounting this, explained that, understanding my words at once, I continued to speak. I said, “Listen attentively, child. This yoga, together with the fierce age of Kali, has caused the decline of good conduct, the path of yoga, and all austerities. People have become like Aghāsura, delighting in deceit and wickedness. The virtuous are distressed, while the unrighteous rejoice. Yet, the wise who remain steadfast in courage are truly learned. “Seeing these untouchables, the earth herself has become burdened; year after year, no auspiciousness is to be found. Now, no one even sees you with your sons—neglected by those blinded by attachment, you are reduced to decrepitude. Only by union with Vṛndāvana did you regain your youth and freshness—blessed indeed is Vṛndāvana, where devotion dances freely. “Here, because there are none to receive them, even old age does not leave your sons. With a little self-contentment, they merely rest, but do not revive.” Bhakti then asked, “How was impure Kali established by King Parīkṣit? With the coming of Kali, where did the essence of all virtue go? Even by the compassionate Hari, how is unrighteousness seen in the world? Please remove my doubts with your words, so I may find peace.” I replied, “Since you have asked, dear child, listen with affection. I will tell you everything, and your confusion will be dispelled. When Mukunda, the Lord, departed from the earth and returned to His own abode, from that very day Kali entered, obstructing all paths of virtue. During his conquests, King Parīkṣit encountered Kali, who, in misery, sought refuge. The king did not kill him, just as a honey-gatherer spares a bee. “The result that cannot be attained by austerity, yoga, or meditation is easily gained in Kali-yuga simply by praising Keśava. Seeing Kali as uniform, devoid of essence or substance, Viṣṇurāta established him for the sake of those born in this age. “Because of evil deeds, the true essence has departed from everywhere; what remains on earth are like husks without seed. The brāhmaṇas once taught the Bhāgavata in every home, but out of greed for payment, the true essence of those stories has vanished. Even those who perform terrible and abundant deeds—atheistic, hellish people—remain at holy places, yet the sanctity of those places is gone. Those agitated by desire, anger, greed, and thirst may still practice austerity, but the true essence is lost. “Due to the defeat of the mind, greed, hypocrisy, and heretical views, and even from the mere study of scriptures, the fruits of meditation and yoga are lost. The learned delight with their wives like buffaloes, skilled in producing sons but unskilled in attaining liberation. Nowhere is true Vaiṣṇavism found, even among the leaders of the traditions; the very essence of reality has perished everywhere. “But this is the nature of the age; who can be blamed? Therefore, the Lotus-eyed Lord endures, standing nearby.” Sūta continued, “Upon hearing these words, all were filled with great wonder. Bhakti spoke again, ‘Let this also be heard, O Śaunaka.’” Bhakti said, “O sage among the gods, you are truly blessed, for you have come here by my good fortune. The sight of the virtuous in this world bestows all perfections. Victory, victory to Him whose body is the source of illusion, who, with a single utterance, creates all speech! By His grace, Dhruva attained the eternal state. I bow to the son of Brahmā, the vessel of all auspiciousness.