In the age of Kali, the world undergoes a profound transformation. People will gather in small huts, seeking shelter together, yet even those who dwell deep within forests will not be spared—they will be burdened by oppressive taxes. Fields, once fertile and abundant, will lie barren, and the best lands will lose their purpose, no longer yielding crops as before. The noble lineages, once revered, will fall into degradation, their virtue diminished by the influence of Kali. The distinction between the sinful and the virtuous, the disciplined and the undisciplined, will fade; all will become alike in conduct and character. Ascetics, who once embodied purity, will become sinners, and even devotees of Vishnu will turn away from devotion. Rogues, disguising themselves in the garb of mendicants, will insult and mock others, and these deceivers, despite their lack of true knowledge, will be honored by society. Life itself will be shortened; old age will come upon people while they are still young. Girls, barely eight years old, will mature quickly, menstruating and even becoming pregnant. Among thousands, only a few will be barren, and this will be especially prevalent in the Kali age. Mothers, wives, and daughters-in-law will pursue earnings through adultery, disregarding the bonds of family and virtue. Some will even sell the sacred names of Hari, treating the divine as a commodity. Afterwards, reflecting upon their actions, they will transgress further, violating promises and gifts, whether given by themselves or by others. Some will seek the company of others’ wives, wandering without restraint, and in the Kali age, even brothers’ wives will not be spared from this disregard. Abandoning their own birth and heritage, people will roam everywhere, especially in matters concerning people, possessions, and villages. Violence will become widespread; all will be mutually aggressive, and even killers of men. Trade will shift, with people engaging in the business of lac, iron, juices, and especially salt. The food of the Shudras will become common fare for all, and attachment to women of low character will prevail. The sacred thread, symbolizing readiness for sacrifice, will be abandoned, as will the practices of twilight worship and personal purity. Promiscuous women, barbers, outcasts, procuresses, and menstruating women will mingle freely, with no distinction regarding food or its origins. Thus, when Kali has fully taken hold, all will become like mlecchas, outsiders to dharma and tradition. Yet, in this darkness, hope emerges. The son of a Brahmin, renowned for his devotion to Vishnu, will be born as Kalki. He will wield a long sword and ride a swift, long-legged horse. With great power, he will cleanse the earth of mlecchas, and the earth itself will disappear from their grasp. For six nights, torrents of rain will flood the vast earth, and then, O sage, twelve suns will rise, illuminating the world anew. When the age of Kali has passed, and the Krita Yuga begins, the earth will be restored. Ascetics, righteous men, and Brahmins learned in the Vedas will once again walk the land. Kings and Kshatriyas will honor Brahmins and remain true to their own duties. Vaishyas, devoted to trade, will also revere the Brahmins and uphold righteousness. The lineages of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas will be united in devotion to Vishnu and the performance of sacrifice. They will be learned in the Vedas, Smritis, and Puranas, knowing dharma and observing the seasons. In Treta Yuga, dharma stands on three feet; in Dvapara, it stands on two. O Brahmin, remember: there are seven days and sixteen lunar phases. There are two fortnights and two solstices, and each day is composed of four watches. Thus, through the cycles of time, the world moves from darkness to light, from degradation to renewal, guided by the divine and the righteous.