As the Kali age unfolds, a time of great confusion and decline descends upon the world. Those of the lowest character, marked by heretical ways, begin to assume the sacred duties once reserved for the twice-born. They devote themselves to false reasoning and boldly expound upon the duties meant for Shudras, turning away from the true path. Among the Shudras, some become wicked-hearted, while others even take up the garb of renunciation, abandoning their own station. Ascetics arise who are atheists, skull-bearers, and the lowest of mendicants, forsaking the ancient traditions. In this age, Shudras ascend to the highest seats, presuming to teach about duties, while heretics roam the land, defiling the Vedas. Righteousness is cast aside by most men, who become destroyers of dharma. The basest among them turn to theft, coveting the wealth of others. People become absorbed in self-praise, quick to slander their neighbors, and seek the company of the unrighteous. The bonds of virtue loosen; children are born after five years, and all abandon their own duties, growing ungrateful and behaving alike in their disregard. Insulting others becomes a source of delight, and people rejoice in the fortunes of another’s house. They constantly find fault with their fathers, mothers, and children. Intoxicated by wealth, learning, and youth, they give themselves over to all manner of suffering, thriving in vanity and ignoring the consequences of their evil deeds. Trust is placed in those who merely appear righteous, but whose hearts are empty. Shudras take pleasure in begging, and even Brahmanas come to serve them. The sanctity of marriage fades, with unions forming between those who are neither true wives nor husbands. Brahmanas, abandoning their vows, become sellers of liquors and juices, delighting in trading worthless goods and consorting with the unacceptable. Some Brahmanas, worthy only of hell, adopt the occupations of Shudras. Fear spreads among mortals, who are haunted by hunger and danger. Great suffering comes with drought, and people strive only to save themselves. Fortune is scarce, yet families grow large with many children. Women, disregarding their husbands’ words, turn their attention to other households, and those from noble families fall into misconduct toward men. Famine and oppressive taxes weigh heavily, and people, though speaking virtuous words, set their minds upon selfish deeds. Beggars, bound by friendships and affections, act accordingly, and for the sake of food, they even accept disciples. Outwardly, they appear to serve teachers and husbands, but inwardly they transgress their commands. When the twice-born fall to such a state, the power of Kali increases. At such a time, the wise recognize the growth of Kali, for when righteousness is lost, the world is stripped of prosperity. Yet, Kali never afflicts those who are devoted to the worship of Hari. In the Dvapara age, sacrifice alone is praised, but in Kali Yuga, charity is held in highest esteem. What could be gained in Dvapara by a month’s effort is achieved in Kali in just a day and night. Whatever is attained through great effort in earlier times is now gained simply by chanting the name of Keshava. Those who worship Hari remain untouched by the afflictions of Kali.