The sage began by extolling the profound sanctity of those who are devoted to Hari. Their mere presence, whether through bodily contact or even conversation, purifies the worlds. Thus, he declared, Hari alone is worthy of worship. Just as water naturally flows to the lowest place, so too does all auspiciousness gather wherever Hari is revered. For Hari is the very source of consciousness, and worshipping him brings the highest welfare to the devotee. When one worships Vishnu with sincerity, the Lord, pleased in heart, grants all desires. Such a devotee attains the fruit of the Ashvamedha sacrifice, which is among the greatest of spiritual rewards. Having said this, the sage paused, asking, “What more can I tell you, whether in brief or in detail?” At this juncture, the disciple expressed his wish to hear about the characteristics and duration of the ages. The sage replied, “I will explain the duties of each age, which benefit all worlds.” He continued, “When the time of destruction approaches, only dharma remains on earth. Understand, O noble one, that a year is composed of twelve divine months. These measures of time have been revealed by those who perceive the truth. After this, the Dvāpara age is spoken of, and then, in order, Kali is known as the last.” He described the Kṛta age, saying, “O brāhmaṇa, in the Kṛta age, all were regarded as equal to the gods. There was no division of the Vedas, and people were always devoted to Nārāyaṇa, intent on austerity and meditation. Their minds were set on righteousness, free from envy and deceit. They excelled in studying the Vedas and were discerning in all the scriptures. United with the fruit of desirelessness, they attained the supreme state.” The sage then turned to the Tretā age. “Listen attentively,” he said. “Hari assumes a reddish hue, and people begin to experience some hardship. Yet they remain devoted to truth and vows, intent on meditation and contemplation. In this age, Hari takes on a yellow hue, and the Veda becomes divided. The classes beginning with brāhmaṇas arise, and some develop faults such as passion. Some become desirous of wealth and other objects, while others have impure minds. Unrighteousness begins to influence people, causing their numbers to diminish. When some are devoted to virtue, others become envious.” He spoke next of the Kali age: “When Kali arrives, righteousness remains only in one foot. Whoever, anyone at all, is devoted to righteousness and performs sacrificial rites—upon seeing such a person, all others become envious. Calamities arise from the prevalence of unrighteousness, and in Kali, people have short lifespans.” The disciple requested, “Describe Kali in detail, for you are the best among those who know righteousness. What will be the food and conduct in the Kali age?” The sage answered, “I will declare, just as it is, the laws of Kali. Know that Kali is exceedingly dreadful, a mixture of all sins. When the terrible age of Kali arrives, the twice-born will turn away from the Vedas. Scholars will be corrupted by vain pride and devoid of truthfulness. All people will be greedy for unrighteousness and devoted to falsehood. Because of the short lifespan of humans, O twice-born, there will be no acquisition of knowledge.” Thus, the sage revealed the nature of the ages, their duties, and the decline of righteousness, emphasizing always the supreme importance of devotion to Hari.