As the Kali age unfolds, the world changes in ways both subtle and profound. Kings, once upholders of dharma, now refrain from causing harm, recognizing their own subjection to the inexorable flow of time. Instead, they offer flowers, perfumes, and other auspicious gifts, their power diminished and their actions tempered. In this age, those with little learning, modest fortunes, and scant strength turn to worship Shudras, while Shudras themselves, grown proud, pay no heed to the best among the twice-born. Brahmins, once revered, now wait at the doors, seeking opportunities for service, while Shudras and those dependent on them throng around the wealthy and the powerful. Brahmins, in their altered role, offer service and praise through hymns, but many among the twice-born begin to sell the fruits of their austerities and sacrifices. Ascetics multiply in number, yet as the age draws to a close, men become few and women many. The twice-born, losing their reverence for Vedic knowledge and sacred duties, begin to criticize both. In this troubled time, Mahadeva Shankara, blue and red in hue, appears in a distorted form to establish dharma anew. Brahmins, adapting to the times, serve Shankara in whatever ways they can. Those who overcome the faults of the age attain the supreme state, but everywhere, wild beasts gain strength while cows diminish. As the virtuous depart, their absence is keenly felt—their charity subtle, immense, and rare. The four stages of life grow lax; righteousness falters. Rulers, abandoning their duties, no longer protect or collect tribute justly, but instead become plunderers. People, focused solely on self-preservation, see their villages plagued by thieves, while crossroads become the haunt of those bearing Shiva’s trident. Women begin to wear their hair loose, and when the god proclaims the end of the age, strange rains fall upon the earth. Merchants, too, become corrupt, engaging in deceitful trades and surrounding themselves with impostors. Though many sacrifices are performed, people speak harshly, lacking honesty and quick to slander. Good deeds go unrewarded; slanderers fall, marking the decline of the age. The earth grows empty of kings, grain, and wealth, with regions and cities left barren. Water and fruits become scarce, and those meant to protect the people fail, as lawless rulers rise. Thieves abound, coveting others’ wealth and wives, driven by desire, malice, and violence. Proper conduct is lost; men wear their hair loose and carry tridents. At the end of the age, children are born to sixteen-year-olds. Shudras, with white teeth, skin, and eyes, shaven heads, and ochre robes, take up righteousness as the age nears its end. Thieves steal crops and garments; even thieves rob other thieves. As proper work ceases and the world becomes idle, insects, mice, and snakes turn against humans. Abundance, safety, health, and ability become rare. Afflicted by hunger and fear, people seek refuge in the regions of Kauśikī. For those overwhelmed by suffering, a hundred years becomes the highest possible lifespan. The Vedas vanish from sight, and sacrifices perish, overtaken by unrighteousness. Even those in ochre robes, those without ties, and many skull-bearers are seen everywhere. Some sell the Vedas, others sell holy places, while impostors obstruct the proper order of caste and life stages. As Kali advances, such people proliferate. Shudras, skilled in dharma and wealth, begin to study the Vedas. Kings born of Shudra lineage perform Ashvamedha sacrifices, but their deeds are stained by the killing of women, children, cows, and even each other. People disturb one another constantly; suffering grows, lifespans shorten, bodies decay, and disease spreads everywhere. Enveloped in darkness by attachment to unrighteousness, acts such as the killing of Brahmins and other heinous deeds become common. Lifespan, strength, and beauty all decline, and in a short time, humans meet their end. Yet, those twice-born who adhere to dharma, following the scriptures without envy even at the end of the age, are truly blessed. In Treta Yuga, dharma is practiced yearly; in Dvapara, it is remembered monthly; but the wise in Kali, striving through hardship, practice it daily. Such is the condition of the Kali age. Now, as its twilight approaches, know that in each age, three quarters of perfection are lost, leaving only a quarter. The twilight of each age has its own character, occupying a quarter of the time. When the twilight of the Kali age arrives, a ruler arises, destined to destroy the wicked. From the lunar lineage comes one named Pramiti, who had lived as a man in a previous age of Svayambhu. When he reaches twenty years, he travels the earth, leading an army with horses, chariots, and elephants. Surrounded by hundreds and thousands of Brahmins armed for battle, he slays thousands of mlecchas. Having vanquished all kings born of Shudra lineage, he completely destroys all impostors, fulfilling his role as lord and restorer of order at the end of the age.