As the cycles of time unfold, Hari, the Supreme Lord, assumes a reddish hue, and a subtle hardship settles upon the people. Yet, in this era, humanity remains steadfast in truth, devoted to their vows, and deeply engaged in meditation and contemplation. Their hearts are set on spiritual pursuits. In the next phase, Hari takes on a yellow hue, and the Veda itself becomes divided. The social classes, beginning with the brāhmaṇas, arise, and among them, some are marked by faults such as passion and other shortcomings. Desires for wealth and other objects begin to stir in the hearts of many, and some minds become impure. As unrighteousness grows in influence, the people gradually diminish in virtue. Observing some who are still devoted to righteousness, others become envious of their virtue, O brāhmaṇa. When the Kali age finally arrives, righteousness remains standing only on a single foot. In this age, whoever—no matter who—remains devoted to righteousness and performs sacrificial rites becomes the object of envy for all. The mere sight of a virtuous person stirs jealousy in the hearts of others. Calamities arise, born from the prevalence of unrighteousness, and the lifespans of all people become short. Seeking knowledge, one asks: “Describe Kali in detail, for you are best among those who know righteousness. What will be the food and conduct of people in the Kali age?” The sage replies, “I will declare in detail, just as it is, the laws of Kali. Know that Kali is exceedingly dreadful, a mixture of all sins. When this terrible age arrives, the twice-born will turn away from the Vedas. Scholars, corrupted by vain pride, will become devoid of truthfulness. Greed for unrighteousness and devotion to falsehood will pervade all people. “Because of their short lifespans, O twice-born, there will be no true acquisition of knowledge. All will be inclined toward sin through transgression. Deluded and absorbed in desire and anger, people will be tormented by useless anxieties. The excellent will become lowly, and the lowly will rise to excellence. Oppression will come in the form of excessive taxes. “Husbands will pursue adulterous relationships, and all will be intent upon others’ wives and wealth. In this dreadful age of Kali, all people will be devoted to sin. On the banks of rivers, they will use spades to uproot medicinal plants. Women will seek out courtesans and those with charming appearance and conduct. “Some will sell the Vedas, and twice-born men will delight in the conduct of Shudras. Brāhmaṇas, greedy for wealth, will no longer observe their vows. Rituals for ancestors and others will be performed by the twice-born only for show. Affection for cows will be shown merely out of greed for their milk. The lowest of men will give gifts only to the unworthy. “O Brāhmaṇa, no one’s mind will be devoted to the worship of Vishnu. The wicked will strike the twice-born when Krishna’s nature has come to Krishna. Even from the fallen, the twice-born will accept gifts. At the end of the age, no one at all will utter the name of Hari. “In the Kali age, the twice-born will eat food prepared by Shudras. Atheists will remain, revilers of the four stages of life.” Thus, the sage reveals the nature of Kali Yuga, an age of decline and confusion, where righteousness wanes and unrighteousness prevails, and the world is veiled in the shadow of sin.