As the Kali age unfolds, a shadow falls across the world, bringing with it a host of troubling signs. It begins with the Brahmins, whose actions become tainted with faults, and because of this, fear spreads among the people. In such times, the study of the Vedas ceases, and the twice-born—the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas—no longer perform the sacred sacrifices that once sustained the order of the world. The decline does not stop there. The strength of men and Kshatriyas wanes, and soon the common folk follow in their descent. Through the use of mantras, Shudras—those of the lowest varna—become entwined with the Brahmins, blurring the boundaries that once defined each group. In this age, kings, most of whom are Shudras, share beds, seats, and meals with others, and they oppress the Brahmins, reversing the ancient order. Terrible acts become common: the killing of embryos and heroes stains the land. Shudras begin to imitate the conduct of Brahmins, while Brahmins, in turn, adopt the ways of Shudras. Thieves take on the duties of kings, and kings behave like thieves. Women, once steadfast to one husband, no longer remain so; those who seek out others become more numerous. The very foundations of society—the divisions of varna and the stages of life—disappear everywhere. The earth, once bountiful, yields little fruit, though now and then it gives much. Kings, who should be protectors, instead become robbers and thieves. Shudras, now learned, are honored even by Brahmins. True Kshatriyas vanish from the ranks of kings, and Brahmins must survive by serving Shudras. The ignorant, seeing the twice-born seated, do not rise in respect. Shudras lacking in discernment strike the best among the twice-born. Brahmins, in humility or necessity, place their hands on the mouths or ears of Shudras, and speak to them as if to those of lower status. Shudras sit on high seats among Brahmins, and though kings know of these changes, subject to the force of time, they do not act against them. The world is adorned with flowers, perfumes, and auspicious things, but true learning, fortune, and strength are rare, and those who possess them worship Shudras. The proud Shudras, in turn, do not even look upon the best of the twice-born. Brahmins, seeking opportunities to serve, stand at the doors, while Shudras and their dependents surround those who ride in vehicles. In this age, Brahmins serve and praise Shudras with hymns, and the most virtuous among the twice-born sell the fruits of their austerities and sacrifices for gain. Many ascetics arise, but as the age draws to a close, men become few and women numerous. During this time, the twice-born criticize both Vedic knowledge and the actions prescribed by the Vedas. In Kali, the god Mahadeva Shankara, his form blue and red, appears in a distorted shape to reestablish dharma. Brahmins serve Shankara in whatever way they can, and by overcoming the faults of Kali through devotion, they attain the supreme state. Yet, wild beasts grow powerful, cows become scarce, and the virtuous depart from the world. At the end of the age, charity becomes rare and precious, subtle yet immense. With the relaxation of the four stages of life, righteousness falters. Rulers no longer protect or collect tribute; instead, they plunder. People become concerned only with their own survival. Villages are plagued by thieves, and crossroads are haunted by those bearing Shiva’s trident. Women wear their hair loose in the Kali age, and when the end of the age is announced, strange rains fall from the sky. Merchants become corrupt, practicing deceitful trades and surrounding themselves with impostors. People perform many sacrifices, but among themselves, their words are harsh, lacking honesty and filled with slander. Good deeds go unrewarded, and slanderers fall, marking the age’s decline. The earth is left without true kings, bereft of grain and wealth, and regions and cities become desolate. Water and fruit become scarce, and those who should protect the people fail, while lawless rulers rise up. Thieves steal the wealth of others, violate the sanctity of marriage, and indulge in base desires and violence. People abandon proper conduct, let their hair hang loose, and carry tridents. Children are born at the young age of sixteen. Shudras, with white teeth, skin, and eyes, shaven heads, and clad in ochre robes, take up the practice of righteousness as the end approaches. Thieves steal crops and sturdy garments; they even steal from other thieves, and from the thief’s thief. As proper work ceases and the world grows inactive, insects, mice, and snakes attack humans. Abundance, safety, health, and strength become rare. People, afflicted by hunger and fear, seek refuge in the Kauśikī regions. Overwhelmed by suffering, the highest lifespan is but a hundred years. The Vedas vanish from sight in the Kali age, and sacrifices perish, overwhelmed by unrighteousness. Even those in ochre robes, those who have renounced ties, and many who bear skulls are seen everywhere. Some sell the Vedas, others sell holy places; impostors obstruct the proper order of caste and stage of life. When the Kali age truly arrives, such people rise to prominence. Shudras, skilled in dharma and wealth, study the Vedas. Kings of Shudra lineage perform Ashvamedha sacrifices, even after killing women, children, cows, and each other. Disturbances multiply as people torment one another. Suffering grows, lifespans shorten, bodies decay, and all are afflicted with disease. The Kali age, enveloped in darkness due to attachment to unrighteousness, sees the rise of acts such as the killing of Brahmins and other grievous wrongs among the people. Thus, the world is plunged into turmoil, marking the sorrowful course of the Kali age.