In the evening, as dusk settled upon the world, I found myself struck down by the weapon of a hunter, right there in the courtyard of Viṣṇu’s own house. The hunter, his hand curved and strong, seized me, while others—men and dogs alike—rushed about in the commotion. Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, the hunter went, performing a respectful circumambulation, to the temple of Viṣṇu, O Lord. By the grace of that moment and that sacred place, both I and even the dog were granted the supreme abode—Viṣṇu’s own realm. Having attained such a state, O best of gods, what more could ever be gained, even by the most proper and devoted worship? The hunter’s mind became filled with joy, and he grew deeply devoted to the worship of Hari, the Supreme Lord. Such devotees are constantly honored by Brahmā and the entire host of deities. How, then, could the fierce bondage of worldly existence ever entrap those who are so attached to Viṣṇu’s worship and destined for liberation? Freed from all sins by every means, they joyfully proceed to the most auspicious abode of Viṣṇu. Through meditation, their minds become pure and free from sin, and they are not born again to drink the milk of their mother’s breast. Even their bodily contact or their words purify the worlds; thus, Hari alone is worthy of worship. All auspiciousness gathers where Hari is worshipped, just as water naturally flows into a low place, O twice-born sage. Hari alone is to be worshipped, for He is the very cause of consciousness itself. For the one who worships Him, O best of sages, the highest welfare is assured. To such a devotee, Viṣṇu, pleased at heart, grants all desires. Such a person attains the fruit of the great Ashvamedha sacrifice, O foremost among sages. What else can I tell you, whether in brief or in detail? Now, you wish to hear of the characteristics of the ages and their duration. Listen, for I shall explain the duties of each age, which bring benefit to all the worlds. When the time of destruction approaches, only dharma remains upon the earth. In those times, O noble one, a year is understood to consist of twelve divine months. These measures of time are to be known as declared by those who truly perceive reality. After this, the Dvāpara age is spoken of, and then, in proper order, Kali is known as the last. O brāhmaṇa, in the Kṛta age, all beings were regarded as equal to the gods. There was no division of the Vedas in that age called Kṛta; all were devoted to Nārāyaṇa, intent upon austerity and deep meditation. Their minds were fixed on the practice of righteousness, free from envy and deceit. They excelled in the study of the Vedas and were wise in all the scriptures. United with the fruit of desirelessness, they attained the supreme state. Now, I shall declare to you the dharmas of the Tretā age—listen carefully. In this age, Hari assumes a reddish hue, and people begin to experience some hardship. Yet they are devoted to truth and vows, intent on meditation, always dedicated to contemplation. As time moves into the Dvāpara age, Hari takes on a yellow hue, and the Veda becomes divided. The social classes beginning with brāhmaṇas arise, and among people, faults such as passion and others appear. Some become desirous of wealth and other objects, and some possess impure minds. Because of the growing influence of unrighteousness, people themselves begin to diminish. Seeing some devoted to virtue, O brāhmaṇa, others become envious. When the Kali age arrives, righteousness remains only in one foot. Yet, whoever, anyone at all, remains devoted to righteousness and performs sacrificial rites—such a person is rare. Upon seeing a man devoted to righteousness, all others become envious of him.