As the age draws to its close, humanity turns inward, concerned only with self-preservation. Even the humblest among men, the Shudras, are addressed with respect by all, for the old distinctions fade. Women, too, change; they go about with loosened hair and carry sticks, a sign of the times. In this Kali age, many seek the path of renunciation, though it is often but a semblance. The world itself becomes a marketplace, with every person adopting the ways of a merchant. It is overrun by impostors, those who feign spiritual disciplines but are, in truth, hunters in disguise. Begging becomes widespread; people stretch out their arms to one another, each seeking alms. The spirit of reciprocity dies—no one returns favor for favor. The earth, once teeming, grows empty and desolate. Thieves abound, stealing jewels and coveting the wives of others. Rogues roam without restraint, their hair loose, clubs in hand. Some, with white teeth, skillful at dice, shaven-headed and clad in ochre robes, further deceive. The theft extends to crops and garments, and as knowledge and action cease, the whole world lapses into inactivity. Well-being, health, and capability become rare treasures. For those weighed down by suffering, a hundred years is the utmost span of life. Sacrifices fail, afflicted by unrighteousness; some even sell the Vedas, others trade holy places. Such people arise when Kali takes hold. Kings of Shudra birth conduct the Ashvamedha sacrifice, turning tradition on its head. People pursue their goals by killing one another, and devotion to unrighteousness shrouds the Kali age in darkness. Lifespan, strength, and beauty all diminish as Kali comes. Yet, at the end of the age, O best of the twice-born, the blessed still strive to practice righteousness. In Treta, righteousness endures for a year; in Dvapara, for a month. Such is the condition of Kali, but now hear of its twilight portion. The nature of the ages dictates that their twilight periods unfold as they must. When the twilight at the end of the age arrives, a figure named Pramati is born in the lunar lineage. He wanders the earth for twenty years. Armed Brahmins, gathered in hundreds and thousands, join him; together with others, the king slays those of Shudra birth. He destroys all who are excessively righteous, as well as those from the north, the central lands, and the east. Likewise, he brings destruction to the south, including the Dravidians and the Sinhalese. The Tuṣāras, Barbaras, Chinese, Śūlikas, Daradas, and Khaśas all fall before him. With his mighty wheel set in motion, Pramati becomes the destroyer of the mlecchas, the lord who brings their end. He is born as a portion of the god Mādhava, of the lunar race, and rules in the former Kali Yuga. His wrath spares none; he slays all beings, especially all men.