As the Kali age unfolds, its shadow stretches across the land, and the conduct of men and women alike begins to change in troubling ways. Brahmins, once revered for their discipline and wisdom, now become greedy for wealth, neglecting their sacred vows. Those who are twice-born perform rites for ancestors and others, but only for the sake of outward display, their hearts untouched by genuine devotion. Even their affection for cows is driven by a desire for milk, not by reverence. Among the lowest of men, gifts are given only to the unworthy, and the minds of all are turned away from devotion to Vishnu. The wicked grow bold, striking the twice-born when Krishna’s nature has come to Krishna. The twice-born, too, accept gifts even from the fallen, abandoning their principles. As the age draws to its close, the name of Hari is no longer uttered by anyone. In this era, the twice-born seek food from the Shudras, disregarding tradition. Atheists persist, openly reviling the four stages of life. The lowest, bearing the marks of heretics, assume the duties of the twice-born, and with false reasoning, they expound the duties of Shudras. Among the Shudras, there are those with wicked hearts and even some who have taken up renunciation. The ascetics themselves include atheists, skull-bearers, and the lowest of mendicants. Shudras ascend to the highest seats, expounding on duties, while heretics roam about, defiling the Vedas. Most men in the Kali age become destroyers of righteousness. The lowest among them turn into thieves, stealing the wealth of others. All are intent on self-praise and devoted to slandering others. Companions of unrighteousness, they abandon their own duties, becoming ungrateful and behaving alike. In the dreadful Kali age, a child is born only once every five years. People delight in insulting others and rejoice in another’s home, constantly finding fault with father, mother, and children. Intoxicated by wealth, learning, and youth, they devote themselves to suffering, thriving in vain and disregarding their evil deeds. Empty trust is placed in those engaged in righteous acts. Shudras delight in begging, and Brahmins serve them. Mixed unions arise, with neither wife nor husband in the traditional sense. Brahmins become sellers of liquors and juices, delighting in selling worthless goods and consorting with the unacceptable. Worthy of hell, they live by the occupation of Shudras. All mortals become fearful of hunger and danger, afflicted by great suffering from drought, and strive only to save themselves. Fortune is scarce, but children are many. Women disregard their husbands’ words and are always intent on other households, even those of noble families becoming of bad conduct toward men. People are severely afflicted by famine and oppressive taxes. Though their minds are set on selfish deeds, their words remain virtuous. Beggars, bound by ties of friendship and affection, act accordingly, reflecting the confusion and decline that mark the Kali age.