As the Kali age unfolds, a shadow falls upon the world. The faults that creep into the actions of the Brāhmaṇas bring fear among the people. Sacrifices are performed improperly, and those lacking wisdom recite the Vedas without true understanding. In this era, indulgence in comfort—lying down, sitting, and eating—becomes widespread. O lord of men, even the killing of embryos and heroes is seen, marking the decline of righteousness. The twice-born neglect their prescribed duties, turning away from the actions that once sustained dharma. The Vedas, the treatises on dharma, and the Purāṇas lose their prominence in the Kali age, as Brāhmaṇas no longer find joy in their own sacred traditions. Instead, people become increasingly dependent on mutual begging, and women begin to wear their hair loose, a sign of changing times. Towards the end of the age, Śūdras take up the practice of dharma, while thieves steal from one another, and even others steal from the thieves themselves. Attachment to unrighteousness prevails, and conduct dominated by darkness becomes the hallmark of Kali. Some go so far as to sell the Vedas, while others sell holy places, commodifying what was once sacred. Śūdras who serve the king strike at the foremost among the twice-born, and though the king knows, he is compelled by the force of time to act against dharma. Those with little learning, fortune, and strength begin to worship the Śūdras. The twice-born, seeing a chance for service, stand at the doors of others, and Brahmins serve and praise with hymns during the Kali age. Even as they recite Vedic mantras, they embrace dreadful atheism, turning away from faith. Ascetics arise by the hundreds and thousands, O king, singing worldly songs to the gods. In this age, Brahmins and Kshatriyas still exist, but human beings are harassed by insects, mice, and serpents. The twice-born, who were burned by Dadhichi's curse at Daksha's sacrifice long ago, strive to practice dharma, but their efforts are vain in the final age of Kali. All, beginning with the Brahmins, are born into their own castes, yet they follow vows and practices outside the Vedas, behave badly, and their ashramas become futile. Their minds are clouded by darkness, degraded by the conduct of outcastes. In this age, there is no deity for humans, nor divinity for the gods. Yet, for the purpose of establishing rites from the Vedas and Smritis, and for the welfare of devotees, the essence of all Vedanta is found in the dharmas shown in the Vedas. Those who conquer the faults born of Kali attain the supreme state. This is the great virtue of Kali, though it is corrupted by many faults. Especially, a Brahmin should seek refuge in Rudra, the Lord. Those whose minds are serene approach Rudra and attain the supreme state. Worshipping other gods cannot yield that fruit. The scripture declares the importance of worshipping Mahadeva, meditation, and giving. If one desires the supreme state, one should take refuge in Virupaksha. Otherwise, charity, austerity, sacrifice, and even life itself become vain. Salutations to Tryambaka, the three-eyed one, the guru of yogis, for in Him lies the refuge and the supreme attainment.