Vishnupurana 6.1

6.1.1

maitreya uvāca:
vyākhyātā bhavatā sargavaṃśamanvantarasthitiḥ
vaṃśānucaritaṃ caiva vistareṇa mahāmune //

MAITREYA.--You have narrated to me, illustrious sage, the creation of the world, the genealogies of the patriarchs, the duration of the Manwantaras, and the dynasties of princes, in detail. I am now desirous to hear from you an account of the dissolution of the world, the season of total destruction, and that which occurs at the expiration of a Kalpa.

6.1.12-1

maitreya:
vyākhyāto bhavatā vaṃśo yādavānāṃ mahātmanām //

6.1.12-2

asti kiṃcin mayā prārthyam adhyātmaśravaṇecchayā //

6.1.12-3

sarvasaṃśayabhettāras tvām ṛte 'nye na santi bhoḥ //

6.1.12-4

dvaitam eke praśaṃsanti advaitam apare janāḥ //

6.1.12-5

dvayaṃ te ke praśaṃsanti mahātmāno mahāmune //

6.1.12-6

śrīparāśara:
adhyātmam akhilaṃ brahman vyākhyāmi bhavato mune //

6.1.12-7

durbodhatvād ekamanāḥ śṛṇuṣva gadato mama //

6.1.12-8

śrutvāvadhāraya mune pāraṃ tv asmān na vidyate //

6.1.12-9

na bhūtāni hṛṣīkāni tathāntaḥkaraṇāny api //

6.1.12-10

prāṇo vā prakṛtir vāpi paraṃ brahmeti śabdyate //

6.1.12-11

na sattā lakṣaṇaṃ brahma yasmāt sadasataḥ param //

6.1.12-12

utpattes tv ātmanaḥ svasya nāpy ākāśaḥ paraṃ viduḥ //

6.1.12-13

na jātirūpalabdhes tu neti nety ucyate yataḥ //

6.1.12-14

svayaṃ vedyaṃ hi tad brahma kumārī strīsukhaṃ yathā //

6.1.12-15

acchedyaṃ tad abhedyaṃ tu satyaṃ jñānam anantakam //

6.1.12-16

śuddhaṃ muktaṃ prabuddhaṃ yat sukhaduḥkhavivarjitam //

6.1.12-17

yat pūrṇam acalaṃ nityaṃ tathā ṣaḍbhāvavarjitam //

6.1.12-18

atīndriyam avarṇaṃ tu nityānandaṃ tathā mune //

6.1.12-19

asthūlam aṇu nādīrgham ahrasvam atamas tathā //

6.1.12-20

asnehaṃ ca tathācchāyaṃ ravamātrakakāyakam //

6.1.12-21

prakāśaṃ vāṃśike yasya tat paraṃ brahma maharṣe //

6.1.12-22

kham ivaikarasāvāptir api bhaktā jarāmarā //

6.1.12-23

cakṣurādyavadhānā sā viparītā vibhāvyate //

6.1.12-24

savyāpāre śarīre 'smin nirvyāpāram akalmaṣam //

6.1.12-25

cintayan sarvam ātmānaṃ mukta eveti vegapī //

6.1.12-26

pramāṇotpannayā buddhyā yo vidyāṃ jñātum icchati //

6.1.12-27

dīpenāsau dhruvaṃ paśyed guhākukṣigataṃ tamaḥ //

6.1.12-28

yadā cittam asaṃsaktaṃ tadīyaṃ sarvavastuṣu //

6.1.12-29

bhavatīha tadā yogī maitreya paramātmavit //

6.1.12-30

svareṇa saṃdhayed yogam asvaraṃ bhāvayet param //

6.1.12-31

asvareṇa tu bhāvena tv abhāvo bhāvam ādiśet //

6.1.12-32

tad eva niṣphalaṃ brahma nirvikalpaṃ nirañjanam //

6.1.12-33

tad brahmāham iti jñātvā brahmabhāvo bhaved dhruvam //

6.1.12-34

ātiṣṭhet sādhanaṃ yatra yāti tatraiva bandhayet //

6.1.12-35

evaṃ saṃbādhayed artham upāyena tu buddhimān //

6.1.12-36

yatra yatra bhaved vedas tat tad astv iti cintayet //

6.1.12-37

maitreya tena rūpeṇa so 'mṛtatvāya kalpyate //

6.1.12-38

prakṛtijñeyasadṛśī dṛśyarūpaṃ svam ātmakam //

6.1.12-39

yo veda paramaṃ vedaṃ mukta ity ucyate mune //

6.1.12-40

vedadvāreṇa yo vedaṃ paśyaty ātmānam ātmani //

6.1.12-41

tasmin vede kalābhāvān niṣphalaṃ paripaśyati //

6.1.12-42

ravamātrakadehasya grāhyatvād api rodhata //

6.1.12-43

tatraiva sthāpayec cittaṃ dṛṣṭvābhyāsam adaivatam //

6.1.12-44

ravamātrakadeho 'ham avidyādeham āśritaḥ //

6.1.12-45

avidyābhiprapanno 'yam iti xx na muhyati //

6.1.12-46

yac chrotavyaṃ ca yad dṛśyaṃ yac ca bhoktavyam ity uta //

6.1.12-47

ghrātavyaṃ caiva spṛṣṭavyaṃ buddhigrāhyaṃ tathaiva ca //

6.1.12-48

sarvaṃ tad brahmabuddhyā tu kurvāṇo na nibadhyate //

6.1.12-49

ravamātraśarīraṃ tu brahma sarvatra dṛśyate //

6.1.12-50

amedhyādibhir asaṃspṛṣṭaṃ yathā nirmalatāṃ gatam //

6.1.12-51

ahaṃ tadaiva nānyo 'smi tasmāt tadvac ca nirmalaḥ //

6.1.12-52

maitreya nāvasīdanti parāparavido janāḥ //

6.1.12-53

adhaś cordhvaṃ ca tiryak ca nānyaṃ paśyanti yoginaḥ //

6.1.12-54

anyarūpe pranaṣṭe tu kṛtsne sthāvarajaṅgame //

6.1.12-55

avyayaṃ ca prapaśyanti tad evānyan na kiṃcana //

6.1.12-56

avidyārūpe pranaṣṭe ca suṣuptipralaye 'pi ca //

6.1.12-57

prabuddhās tu smariṣyanti tad evānyan na maharṣe //

6.1.12-58

sarvavastuṣu pūrṇeṣu punaś cūrṇīkṛteṣu ca //

6.1.12-59

tadantam eva paśyanti tasya tattvaṃ na dṛśyate //

6.1.12-60

sarveṣu vedatantreṣu sarveṣu samayeṣu bhoḥ //

6.1.12-61

idam eva prapaśyanti tatas tattvavido janāḥ //

6.1.12-62

brahmarūpam idaṃ sarvam evaṃ paśyet sadā naraḥ //

6.1.12-63

hatvāpi sa imāṃl lokān sarvāśī sarvavikrayī //

6.1.12-64

sarvān niṣiddhān kṛtvāpi karmabhir na sa badhyate //

6.1.12-65

dharmādharmavimuktātmā brahmabhūyāya kalpate //

6.1.12-66

nirātmakam idaṃ proktaṃ sāṃkhyaṃ sānakam ucyate //

6.1.12-67

recakaṃ pūrakaṃ kṛtvā vāyum ārohayet tataḥ //

6.1.12-68

brahmanāḍī smṛtā tatra kāyamadhye vyavasthitā //

6.1.12-69

jyotirāgrā cakramūlā sūkṣmā cakrāntarānugā //

6.1.12-70

adṛśyarūpā sā sarvaiḥ paśyanti paramarṣayaḥ //

6.1.12-71

pradyumno bhagavāñ jyotir bahirdhāma vyavasthitaḥ //

6.1.12-72

māṃsād adhaḥ pauṇḍarīkād dhṛdayagranthir ucyate //

6.1.12-73

tena saṃkramayed vāyuṃ purāṇakaraṇena tu //

6.1.12-74

jyotiṣaḥ prāpaṇābhyāsāt sarvavāyujayo bhavet //

6.1.12-75

tatraikadeśam ākṛṣya kecin nyasyanti maulike //

6.1.12-76

tena labdhopalabdhās tu gacchanti jyotiṣaḥ padam //

6.1.12-77

ye tu tattvaṃ prapaśyanti maulike sthāpayanty uta //

6.1.12-78

punar brahmaṇi niṣṇātās te 'mṛtatvāya kalpate //

6.1.12-79

etat tu sānakaṃ proktaṃ sāṃkhyaṃ divyam anuttamam //

6.1.12-80

śreyāṃsaḥ pūrvam icchanti saṃnyāsāt sarvakarmaṇām //

6.1.12-81

tyaktasarvakriyārambhāḥ paraṃ sāṃkhyaṃ pracakṣate //

6.1.12-82

sāṃkhyamārgas tvayaivokto yogamārgas tvyayocyatām //

6.1.12-83

śrīparāśara:
atha yogaṃ pravakṣyāmi guhyād guhyataraṃ param //

6.1.12-84

yaj jñātvā munayaḥ sarve padaṃ gacchanty anāmayam //

6.1.12-85

sāṃkhyāt tattvāt paraṃ yogaṃ pravadanti manīṣiṇaḥ //

6.1.12-86

ye yogam anutiṣṭhanti sāṃkhyam apy anutiṣṭate //

6.1.12-87

tasmād yogaṃ praśaṃsanti munayo munisattama //

6.1.12-88

dehinas tv ātmasaṃyogād yogam āhur manīṣiṇaḥ //

6.1.12-89

dehīpāpanibandhatvāt pūrvaṃ pāpakṣayaṃ caret //

6.1.12-90

guṇais tu bandhitatvāc ca guṇānāṃ haraṇaṃ tataḥ //

6.1.12-91

dehī dehanibandhatvāt tasyāpi haraṇaṃ caret //

6.1.12-92

mukhyānāṃ caiva śūnyānāṃ balavattvān niyāmanam //

6.1.12-93

evaṃ kṛtvā sma dṛśyantu saṃyojyātmānam ātmani //

6.1.12-94

dharmādharmavinirmukto mukta eva bhaved dhruvam //

6.1.12-95

guṇānāṃ tejaso rūpaṃ deharūpaṃ ca dehinaḥ //

6.1.12-96

ālambya vinaśet paścād yogasiddhim abhīpsatā //

6.1.12-97

ālambanān nirālambaṃ paśyanti paramarṣayaḥ //

6.1.12-98

ālambanaṃ na cet pūrvaṃ na ca bandhavimokṣaṇam //

6.1.12-99

recapūrakakumbhaiś ca pūrvaṃ pāpakṣayaṃ caret //

6.1.12-100

pūrvarātralayaiḥ śāntyā dehino dṛśyatāṃ nayet //

6.1.12-101

vedasārāt tu saṃyogaṃ pravadanti manīṣiṇaḥ //

6.1.12-102

evaṃ yogavidhiḥ prokto yoge sarvaṃ samāpyate //

6.1.12-103

evaṃ sāṃkhyaṃ ca yogaṃ ca pravadanti manīṣiṇaḥ //

6.1.12-104

anayos tv apṛthagjñānān mukto bhavati nānyathā //

6.1.12-105

sāṃkhyayogāv upāyau dvāv upeyas tv eka eva tu //

6.1.12-106

devo nārāyaṇas tv ekaḥ paramātmety udāhṛtaḥ //

6.1.12-107

ravamātrakadehas tu sarvavyāpyājarāmaraḥ //

6.1.12-108

taraṅgajaṅgamasthās nu svamāyātamasāvṛtaḥ //

6.1.12-109

bahvākāra ivābhāti māyayā puruṣottamaḥ //

6.1.12-110

evaṃ yo veda yogīndraḥ sa vai mukto bhaven naraḥ //

6.1.12-111

śrīparāśaraḥ:
yat pṛṣṭavān asi mune tad uktaṃ paramārthataḥ //

6.1.12-112

kim anyac chrotum icchā te hy asti maitreya pṛccha tat //

6.1.12-112.p1

iti śrīviṣṇupurāṇe ṣaṣṭhe 'ṃśe prathamo 'dhyāyaḥ

6.1.12-114

maitreyaḥ:
jñānāmṛtam idaṃ śrutvā nāsti dhanyataro mama //

6.1.12-115

manye 'haṃ bhagavān adya prasādaṃ kṛtavān iti //

6.1.12-116

adyāhaṃ vītasaṃdeho bhavaṃ viprarṣabha prabho //

6.1.12-117

tathāpi kiṃcit pṛcchāmi durbodhatvān mahāmune //

6.1.2

śrotum icchāmy ahaṃ tvatto yathāvad upasaṃhṛtim
mahāpralayasaṃjñāṃ ca kalpānte ca mahāmune //

MAITREYA.--You have narrated to me, illustrious sage, the creation of the world, the genealogies of the patriarchs, the duration of the Manwantaras, and the dynasties of princes, in detail. I am now desirous to hear from you an account of the dissolution of the world, the season of total destruction, and that which occurs at the expiration of a Kalpa.

6.1.3

parāśara uvāca:
maitreya śrūyatāṃ matto yathāvad upasaṃhṛtiḥ
kalpānte prākṛte caiva pralaye jāyate yathā //

PARÁŚARA.--Hear from me, Maitreya, exactly the circumstances of the end of all things, and the dissolution that occurs either at the expiration of a Kalpa, or that which takes place at the close of the life of Brahmá. A month of mortals is a day and night of the progenitors: a year of mortals is a day and night of the gods. Twice a thousand aggregates of the four ages is a day and night of Brahmá. The four ages are the Krita, Treta, Dwápara, and Kali; comprehending together twelve thousand years of the gods. There are infinite successions of these four ages, of a similar description, the first of which is always called the Krita, and the last the Kali. In the first, the Krita, is that age which is created by Brahmá; in the last, which is the Kali age, a dissolution of the world occurs.

6.1.4

ahorātraṃ pitṝṇāṃ tu māso 'bdas tridivaukasām
caturyugasahasre tu brahmaṇo dve dvijottama //

PARÁŚARA.--Hear from me, Maitreya, exactly the circumstances of the end of all things, and the dissolution that occurs either at the expiration of a Kalpa, or that which takes place at the close of the life of Brahmá. A month of mortals is a day and night of the progenitors: a year of mortals is a day and night of the gods. Twice a thousand aggregates of the four ages is a day and night of Brahmá. The four ages are the Krita, Treta, Dwápara, and Kali; comprehending together twelve thousand years of the gods. There are infinite successions of these four ages, of a similar description, the first of which is always called the Krita, and the last the Kali. In the first, the Krita, is that age which is created by Brahmá; in the last, which is the Kali age, a dissolution of the world occurs.

6.1.5

kṛtaṃ tretā dvāparaṃ ca kaliś caiva caturyugam
divyair varṣasahasrais tu tad dvādaśabhir ucyate //

PARÁŚARA.--Hear from me, Maitreya, exactly the circumstances of the end of all things, and the dissolution that occurs either at the expiration of a Kalpa, or that which takes place at the close of the life of Brahmá. A month of mortals is a day and night of the progenitors: a year of mortals is a day and night of the gods. Twice a thousand aggregates of the four ages is a day and night of Brahmá. The four ages are the Krita, Treta, Dwápara, and Kali; comprehending together twelve thousand years of the gods. There are infinite successions of these four ages, of a similar description, the first of which is always called the Krita, and the last the Kali. In the first, the Krita, is that age which is created by Brahmá; in the last, which is the Kali age, a dissolution of the world occurs.

6.1.6

caturyugāṇy aśeṣāṇi sadṛśāni svarūpataḥ
ādyaṃ kṛtayugaṃ muktvā maitreyāntyaṃ tathā kalim //

PARÁŚARA.--Hear from me, Maitreya, exactly the circumstances of the end of all things, and the dissolution that occurs either at the expiration of a Kalpa, or that which takes place at the close of the life of Brahmá. A month of mortals is a day and night of the progenitors: a year of mortals is a day and night of the gods. Twice a thousand aggregates of the four ages is a day and night of Brahmá. The four ages are the Krita, Treta, Dwápara, and Kali; comprehending together twelve thousand years of the gods. There are infinite successions of these four ages, of a similar description, the first of which is always called the Krita, and the last the Kali. In the first, the Krita, is that age which is created by Brahmá; in the last, which is the Kali age, a dissolution of the world occurs.

6.1.7

ādye kṛtayuge sargo brahmaṇā kriyate yataḥ
kriyate copasaṃhāras tathānte ca kalau yuge //

PARÁŚARA.--Hear from me, Maitreya, exactly the circumstances of the end of all things, and the dissolution that occurs either at the expiration of a Kalpa, or that which takes place at the close of the life of Brahmá. A month of mortals is a day and night of the progenitors: a year of mortals is a day and night of the gods. Twice a thousand aggregates of the four ages is a day and night of Brahmá. The four ages are the Krita, Treta, Dwápara, and Kali; comprehending together twelve thousand years of the gods. There are infinite successions of these four ages, of a similar description, the first of which is always called the Krita, and the last the Kali. In the first, the Krita, is that age which is created by Brahmá; in the last, which is the Kali age, a dissolution of the world occurs.

6.1.8

maitreya uvāca:
kaleḥ svarūpaṃ bhagavan vistarād vaktum arhasi
dharmaś catuṣpād bhagavan yasmin viplavam ṛcchati //

MAITREYA.--Venerable sir, you are able to give me a description of the nature of the Kali age, in which four-footed virtue suffers total extinction.

6.1.9

parāśara uvāca:
kaleḥ svarūpaṃ maitreya yad bhavān praṣṭum icchati
tan nibodha samāsena vartate yan mahāmune //

PARÁŚARA.--Hear, Maitreya, an account of the nature of the Kali age, respecting which you have inquired, and which is now close at hand.

6.1.10

varṇāśramācāravatī pravṛttir na kalau nṛṇām
na sāma-ṛgyajurvedaviniṣpādanahaitukī //

The observance of caste, order, and institutes will not prevail in the Kali age, nor will that of the ceremonial enjoined by the Sáma, Rik, and Yajur Vedas. Marriages in this age will not be conformable to the ritual, nor will the rules that connect the spiritual preceptor and his disciple be in force. The laws that regulate the conduct of husband and wife will be disregarded, and oblations to the gods with fire no longer be offered. In whatever family he may be born, a powerful and rich man will be held entitled to espouse maidens of every tribe. A regenerate man will be initiated in any way whatever, and such acts of penance as may be performed will be unattended by any results. Every text will be scripture that people choose to think so: all gods will be gods to them that worship them; and all orders of life will be common alike to all persons. In the Kali age, fasting, austerity, liberality, practised according to the pleasure of those by whom they are observed, will constitute righteousness. Pride of wealth will be inspired by very insignificant possessions. Pride of beauty will be prompted by (no other personal charm than fine) hair. Gold, jewels, diamonds, clothes, will all have perished, and then hair will be the only ornament with which women can decorate themselves. Wives will desert their husbands, when they lose their property; and they only who are wealthy will be considered by women as their lords. He who gives away much money will be the master of men; and family descent will no longer be a title of supremacy. Accumulated treasures will be expended on (ostentatious) dwellings. The minds of men will be wholly occupied in acquiring wealth; and wealth will be spent solely on selfish gratifications. Women will follow their inclinations, and be ever fond of pleasure. Men will fix their desires upon riches, even though dishonestly acquired. No man will part with the smallest fraction of the smallest coin, though entreated by a friend. Men of all degrees will conceit themselves to be equal with Brahmans. Cows will be held in esteem only as they supply milk. The people will be almost always in dread of dearth, and apprehensive of scarcity; and will hence ever be watching the appearances of the sky: they will all live, like anchorets, upon leaves and roots and fruit, and put a period to their lives through fear of famine and want. In truth there will never be abundance in the Kali age, and men will never enjoy pleasure and happiness. They will take their food without previous ablution, and without worshipping fire, gods, or guests, or offering obsequial libations to their progenitors. The women will be fickle, short of stature, gluttonous: they will have many children, and little means: scratching their heads with both hands, they will pay no attention to the commands of their husbands or parents: they will be selfish, abject, and slatternly: they will be scolds and liars: they will be indecent and immoral in their conduct, and will ever attach themselves to dissolute men. Youths, although disregarding the rules of studentship, will study the Vedas. Householders will neither sacrifice nor practise becoming liberality. Anchorets will subsist upon food accepted from rustics; and mendicants will be influenced by regard for friends and associates. Princes, instead of protecting, will plunder their subjects; and, under the pretext of levying customs, will rob merchants of their property. In the Kali age every one who has cars and elephants and steeds will be a Rájá: every one who is feeble will be a slave. Vaiśyas will abandon agriculture and commerce, and gain a livelihood by servitude or the exercise of mechanical arts. Śúdras, seeking a subsistence by begging, and assuming the outward marks of religious mendicants, will become the impure followers of impious and heretical doctrines.

6.1.11

vivāhā na kalau dharmyā na śiṣyagurusaṃsthitiḥ
na dāmpatyakramo naiva vahnidevātmakaḥ kramaḥ //

The observance of caste, order, and institutes will not prevail in the Kali age, nor will that of the ceremonial enjoined by the Sáma, Rik, and Yajur Vedas. Marriages in this age will not be conformable to the ritual, nor will the rules that connect the spiritual preceptor and his disciple be in force. The laws that regulate the conduct of husband and wife will be disregarded, and oblations to the gods with fire no longer be offered. In whatever family he may be born, a powerful and rich man will be held entitled to espouse maidens of every tribe. A regenerate man will be initiated in any way whatever, and such acts of penance as may be performed will be unattended by any results. Every text will be scripture that people choose to think so: all gods will be gods to them that worship them; and all orders of life will be common alike to all persons. In the Kali age, fasting, austerity, liberality, practised according to the pleasure of those by whom they are observed, will constitute righteousness. Pride of wealth will be inspired by very insignificant possessions. Pride of beauty will be prompted by (no other personal charm than fine) hair. Gold, jewels, diamonds, clothes, will all have perished, and then hair will be the only ornament with which women can decorate themselves. Wives will desert their husbands, when they lose their property; and they only who are wealthy will be considered by women as their lords. He who gives away much money will be the master of men; and family descent will no longer be a title of supremacy. Accumulated treasures will be expended on (ostentatious) dwellings. The minds of men will be wholly occupied in acquiring wealth; and wealth will be spent solely on selfish gratifications. Women will follow their inclinations, and be ever fond of pleasure. Men will fix their desires upon riches, even though dishonestly acquired. No man will part with the smallest fraction of the smallest coin, though entreated by a friend. Men of all degrees will conceit themselves to be equal with Brahmans. Cows will be held in esteem only as they supply milk. The people will be almost always in dread of dearth, and apprehensive of scarcity; and will hence ever be watching the appearances of the sky: they will all live, like anchorets, upon leaves and roots and fruit, and put a period to their lives through fear of famine and want. In truth there will never be abundance in the Kali age, and men will never enjoy pleasure and happiness. They will take their food without previous ablution, and without worshipping fire, gods, or guests, or offering obsequial libations to their progenitors. The women will be fickle, short of stature, gluttonous: they will have many children, and little means: scratching their heads with both hands, they will pay no attention to the commands of their husbands or parents: they will be selfish, abject, and slatternly: they will be scolds and liars: they will be indecent and immoral in their conduct, and will ever attach themselves to dissolute men. Youths, although disregarding the rules of studentship, will study the Vedas. Householders will neither sacrifice nor practise becoming liberality. Anchorets will subsist upon food accepted from rustics; and mendicants will be influenced by regard for friends and associates. Princes, instead of protecting, will plunder their subjects; and, under the pretext of levying customs, will rob merchants of their property. In the Kali age every one who has cars and elephants and steeds will be a Rájá: every one who is feeble will be a slave. Vaiśyas will abandon agriculture and commerce, and gain a livelihood by servitude or the exercise of mechanical arts. Śúdras, seeking a subsistence by begging, and assuming the outward marks of religious mendicants, will become the impure followers of impious and heretical doctrines.

6.1.12

yatra tatra kule jāto balī sarveśvaraḥ kalau
sarvebhya eva varṇebhyo yogyaḥ kanyāvarodhane //

The observance of caste, order, and institutes will not prevail in the Kali age, nor will that of the ceremonial enjoined by the Sáma, Rik, and Yajur Vedas. Marriages in this age will not be conformable to the ritual, nor will the rules that connect the spiritual preceptor and his disciple be in force. The laws that regulate the conduct of husband and wife will be disregarded, and oblations to the gods with fire no longer be offered. In whatever family he may be born, a powerful and rich man will be held entitled to espouse maidens of every tribe. A regenerate man will be initiated in any way whatever, and such acts of penance as may be performed will be unattended by any results. Every text will be scripture that people choose to think so: all gods will be gods to them that worship them; and all orders of life will be common alike to all persons. In the Kali age, fasting, austerity, liberality, practised according to the pleasure of those by whom they are observed, will constitute righteousness. Pride of wealth will be inspired by very insignificant possessions. Pride of beauty will be prompted by (no other personal charm than fine) hair. Gold, jewels, diamonds, clothes, will all have perished, and then hair will be the only ornament with which women can decorate themselves. Wives will desert their husbands, when they lose their property; and they only who are wealthy will be considered by women as their lords. He who gives away much money will be the master of men; and family descent will no longer be a title of supremacy. Accumulated treasures will be expended on (ostentatious) dwellings. The minds of men will be wholly occupied in acquiring wealth; and wealth will be spent solely on selfish gratifications. Women will follow their inclinations, and be ever fond of pleasure. Men will fix their desires upon riches, even though dishonestly acquired. No man will part with the smallest fraction of the smallest coin, though entreated by a friend. Men of all degrees will conceit themselves to be equal with Brahmans. Cows will be held in esteem only as they supply milk. The people will be almost always in dread of dearth, and apprehensive of scarcity; and will hence ever be watching the appearances of the sky: they will all live, like anchorets, upon leaves and roots and fruit, and put a period to their lives through fear of famine and want. In truth there will never be abundance in the Kali age, and men will never enjoy pleasure and happiness. They will take their food without previous ablution, and without worshipping fire, gods, or guests, or offering obsequial libations to their progenitors. The women will be fickle, short of stature, gluttonous: they will have many children, and little means: scratching their heads with both hands, they will pay no attention to the commands of their husbands or parents: they will be selfish, abject, and slatternly: they will be scolds and liars: they will be indecent and immoral in their conduct, and will ever attach themselves to dissolute men. Youths, although disregarding the rules of studentship, will study the Vedas. Householders will neither sacrifice nor practise becoming liberality. Anchorets will subsist upon food accepted from rustics; and mendicants will be influenced by regard for friends and associates. Princes, instead of protecting, will plunder their subjects; and, under the pretext of levying customs, will rob merchants of their property. In the Kali age every one who has cars and elephants and steeds will be a Rájá: every one who is feeble will be a slave. Vaiśyas will abandon agriculture and commerce, and gain a livelihood by servitude or the exercise of mechanical arts. Śúdras, seeking a subsistence by begging, and assuming the outward marks of religious mendicants, will become the impure followers of impious and heretical doctrines.

6.1.13

yena tenaiva yogena dvijātir dīkṣitaḥ kalau
yaiva saiva ca maitreya prāyaścittakriyā kalau //

The observance of caste, order, and institutes will not prevail in the Kali age, nor will that of the ceremonial enjoined by the Sáma, Rik, and Yajur Vedas. Marriages in this age will not be conformable to the ritual, nor will the rules that connect the spiritual preceptor and his disciple be in force. The laws that regulate the conduct of husband and wife will be disregarded, and oblations to the gods with fire no longer be offered. In whatever family he may be born, a powerful and rich man will be held entitled to espouse maidens of every tribe. A regenerate man will be initiated in any way whatever, and such acts of penance as may be performed will be unattended by any results. Every text will be scripture that people choose to think so: all gods will be gods to them that worship them; and all orders of life will be common alike to all persons. In the Kali age, fasting, austerity, liberality, practised according to the pleasure of those by whom they are observed, will constitute righteousness. Pride of wealth will be inspired by very insignificant possessions. Pride of beauty will be prompted by (no other personal charm than fine) hair. Gold, jewels, diamonds, clothes, will all have perished, and then hair will be the only ornament with which women can decorate themselves. Wives will desert their husbands, when they lose their property; and they only who are wealthy will be considered by women as their lords. He who gives away much money will be the master of men; and family descent will no longer be a title of supremacy. Accumulated treasures will be expended on (ostentatious) dwellings. The minds of men will be wholly occupied in acquiring wealth; and wealth will be spent solely on selfish gratifications. Women will follow their inclinations, and be ever fond of pleasure. Men will fix their desires upon riches, even though dishonestly acquired. No man will part with the smallest fraction of the smallest coin, though entreated by a friend. Men of all degrees will conceit themselves to be equal with Brahmans. Cows will be held in esteem only as they supply milk. The people will be almost always in dread of dearth, and apprehensive of scarcity; and will hence ever be watching the appearances of the sky: they will all live, like anchorets, upon leaves and roots and fruit, and put a period to their lives through fear of famine and want. In truth there will never be abundance in the Kali age, and men will never enjoy pleasure and happiness. They will take their food without previous ablution, and without worshipping fire, gods, or guests, or offering obsequial libations to their progenitors. The women will be fickle, short of stature, gluttonous: they will have many children, and little means: scratching their heads with both hands, they will pay no attention to the commands of their husbands or parents: they will be selfish, abject, and slatternly: they will be scolds and liars: they will be indecent and immoral in their conduct, and will ever attach themselves to dissolute men. Youths, although disregarding the rules of studentship, will study the Vedas. Householders will neither sacrifice nor practise becoming liberality. Anchorets will subsist upon food accepted from rustics; and mendicants will be influenced by regard for friends and associates. Princes, instead of protecting, will plunder their subjects; and, under the pretext of levying customs, will rob merchants of their property. In the Kali age every one who has cars and elephants and steeds will be a Rájá: every one who is feeble will be a slave. Vaiśyas will abandon agriculture and commerce, and gain a livelihood by servitude or the exercise of mechanical arts. Śúdras, seeking a subsistence by begging, and assuming the outward marks of religious mendicants, will become the impure followers of impious and heretical doctrines.

6.1.14

sarvam eva kalau śāstraṃ yasya yad vacanaṃ dvija
devatāś ca kalau sarvāḥ sarvaḥ sarvasya cāśramaḥ //

The observance of caste, order, and institutes will not prevail in the Kali age, nor will that of the ceremonial enjoined by the Sáma, Rik, and Yajur Vedas. Marriages in this age will not be conformable to the ritual, nor will the rules that connect the spiritual preceptor and his disciple be in force. The laws that regulate the conduct of husband and wife will be disregarded, and oblations to the gods with fire no longer be offered. In whatever family he may be born, a powerful and rich man will be held entitled to espouse maidens of every tribe. A regenerate man will be initiated in any way whatever, and such acts of penance as may be performed will be unattended by any results. Every text will be scripture that people choose to think so: all gods will be gods to them that worship them; and all orders of life will be common alike to all persons. In the Kali age, fasting, austerity, liberality, practised according to the pleasure of those by whom they are observed, will constitute righteousness. Pride of wealth will be inspired by very insignificant possessions. Pride of beauty will be prompted by (no other personal charm than fine) hair. Gold, jewels, diamonds, clothes, will all have perished, and then hair will be the only ornament with which women can decorate themselves. Wives will desert their husbands, when they lose their property; and they only who are wealthy will be considered by women as their lords. He who gives away much money will be the master of men; and family descent will no longer be a title of supremacy. Accumulated treasures will be expended on (ostentatious) dwellings. The minds of men will be wholly occupied in acquiring wealth; and wealth will be spent solely on selfish gratifications. Women will follow their inclinations, and be ever fond of pleasure. Men will fix their desires upon riches, even though dishonestly acquired. No man will part with the smallest fraction of the smallest coin, though entreated by a friend. Men of all degrees will conceit themselves to be equal with Brahmans. Cows will be held in esteem only as they supply milk. The people will be almost always in dread of dearth, and apprehensive of scarcity; and will hence ever be watching the appearances of the sky: they will all live, like anchorets, upon leaves and roots and fruit, and put a period to their lives through fear of famine and want. In truth there will never be abundance in the Kali age, and men will never enjoy pleasure and happiness. They will take their food without previous ablution, and without worshipping fire, gods, or guests, or offering obsequial libations to their progenitors. The women will be fickle, short of stature, gluttonous: they will have many children, and little means: scratching their heads with both hands, they will pay no attention to the commands of their husbands or parents: they will be selfish, abject, and slatternly: they will be scolds and liars: they will be indecent and immoral in their conduct, and will ever attach themselves to dissolute men. Youths, although disregarding the rules of studentship, will study the Vedas. Householders will neither sacrifice nor practise becoming liberality. Anchorets will subsist upon food accepted from rustics; and mendicants will be influenced by regard for friends and associates. Princes, instead of protecting, will plunder their subjects; and, under the pretext of levying customs, will rob merchants of their property. In the Kali age every one who has cars and elephants and steeds will be a Rájá: every one who is feeble will be a slave. Vaiśyas will abandon agriculture and commerce, and gain a livelihood by servitude or the exercise of mechanical arts. Śúdras, seeking a subsistence by begging, and assuming the outward marks of religious mendicants, will become the impure followers of impious and heretical doctrines.

6.1.15

upavāsas tathāyāso vittotsargas tathā kalau
dharmo yathābhirucitair anuṣṭhānair anuṣṭhitaḥ //

The observance of caste, order, and institutes will not prevail in the Kali age, nor will that of the ceremonial enjoined by the Sáma, Rik, and Yajur Vedas. Marriages in this age will not be conformable to the ritual, nor will the rules that connect the spiritual preceptor and his disciple be in force. The laws that regulate the conduct of husband and wife will be disregarded, and oblations to the gods with fire no longer be offered. In whatever family he may be born, a powerful and rich man will be held entitled to espouse maidens of every tribe. A regenerate man will be initiated in any way whatever, and such acts of penance as may be performed will be unattended by any results. Every text will be scripture that people choose to think so: all gods will be gods to them that worship them; and all orders of life will be common alike to all persons. In the Kali age, fasting, austerity, liberality, practised according to the pleasure of those by whom they are observed, will constitute righteousness. Pride of wealth will be inspired by very insignificant possessions. Pride of beauty will be prompted by (no other personal charm than fine) hair. Gold, jewels, diamonds, clothes, will all have perished, and then hair will be the only ornament with which women can decorate themselves. Wives will desert their husbands, when they lose their property; and they only who are wealthy will be considered by women as their lords. He who gives away much money will be the master of men; and family descent will no longer be a title of supremacy. Accumulated treasures will be expended on (ostentatious) dwellings. The minds of men will be wholly occupied in acquiring wealth; and wealth will be spent solely on selfish gratifications. Women will follow their inclinations, and be ever fond of pleasure. Men will fix their desires upon riches, even though dishonestly acquired. No man will part with the smallest fraction of the smallest coin, though entreated by a friend. Men of all degrees will conceit themselves to be equal with Brahmans. Cows will be held in esteem only as they supply milk. The people will be almost always in dread of dearth, and apprehensive of scarcity; and will hence ever be watching the appearances of the sky: they will all live, like anchorets, upon leaves and roots and fruit, and put a period to their lives through fear of famine and want. In truth there will never be abundance in the Kali age, and men will never enjoy pleasure and happiness. They will take their food without previous ablution, and without worshipping fire, gods, or guests, or offering obsequial libations to their progenitors. The women will be fickle, short of stature, gluttonous: they will have many children, and little means: scratching their heads with both hands, they will pay no attention to the commands of their husbands or parents: they will be selfish, abject, and slatternly: they will be scolds and liars: they will be indecent and immoral in their conduct, and will ever attach themselves to dissolute men. Youths, although disregarding the rules of studentship, will study the Vedas. Householders will neither sacrifice nor practise becoming liberality. Anchorets will subsist upon food accepted from rustics; and mendicants will be influenced by regard for friends and associates. Princes, instead of protecting, will plunder their subjects; and, under the pretext of levying customs, will rob merchants of their property. In the Kali age every one who has cars and elephants and steeds will be a Rájá: every one who is feeble will be a slave. Vaiśyas will abandon agriculture and commerce, and gain a livelihood by servitude or the exercise of mechanical arts. Śúdras, seeking a subsistence by begging, and assuming the outward marks of religious mendicants, will become the impure followers of impious and heretical doctrines.

6.1.16

vittena bhavitā puṃsāṃ svalpenāḍhyamadaḥ kalau
strīṇāṃ rūpamadaś caiva keśair eva bhaviṣyati //

The observance of caste, order, and institutes will not prevail in the Kali age, nor will that of the ceremonial enjoined by the Sáma, Rik, and Yajur Vedas. Marriages in this age will not be conformable to the ritual, nor will the rules that connect the spiritual preceptor and his disciple be in force. The laws that regulate the conduct of husband and wife will be disregarded, and oblations to the gods with fire no longer be offered. In whatever family he may be born, a powerful and rich man will be held entitled to espouse maidens of every tribe. A regenerate man will be initiated in any way whatever, and such acts of penance as may be performed will be unattended by any results. Every text will be scripture that people choose to think so: all gods will be gods to them that worship them; and all orders of life will be common alike to all persons. In the Kali age, fasting, austerity, liberality, practised according to the pleasure of those by whom they are observed, will constitute righteousness. Pride of wealth will be inspired by very insignificant possessions. Pride of beauty will be prompted by (no other personal charm than fine) hair. Gold, jewels, diamonds, clothes, will all have perished, and then hair will be the only ornament with which women can decorate themselves. Wives will desert their husbands, when they lose their property; and they only who are wealthy will be considered by women as their lords. He who gives away much money will be the master of men; and family descent will no longer be a title of supremacy. Accumulated treasures will be expended on (ostentatious) dwellings. The minds of men will be wholly occupied in acquiring wealth; and wealth will be spent solely on selfish gratifications. Women will follow their inclinations, and be ever fond of pleasure. Men will fix their desires upon riches, even though dishonestly acquired. No man will part with the smallest fraction of the smallest coin, though entreated by a friend. Men of all degrees will conceit themselves to be equal with Brahmans. Cows will be held in esteem only as they supply milk. The people will be almost always in dread of dearth, and apprehensive of scarcity; and will hence ever be watching the appearances of the sky: they will all live, like anchorets, upon leaves and roots and fruit, and put a period to their lives through fear of famine and want. In truth there will never be abundance in the Kali age, and men will never enjoy pleasure and happiness. They will take their food without previous ablution, and without worshipping fire, gods, or guests, or offering obsequial libations to their progenitors. The women will be fickle, short of stature, gluttonous: they will have many children, and little means: scratching their heads with both hands, they will pay no attention to the commands of their husbands or parents: they will be selfish, abject, and slatternly: they will be scolds and liars: they will be indecent and immoral in their conduct, and will ever attach themselves to dissolute men. Youths, although disregarding the rules of studentship, will study the Vedas. Householders will neither sacrifice nor practise becoming liberality. Anchorets will subsist upon food accepted from rustics; and mendicants will be influenced by regard for friends and associates. Princes, instead of protecting, will plunder their subjects; and, under the pretext of levying customs, will rob merchants of their property. In the Kali age every one who has cars and elephants and steeds will be a Rájá: every one who is feeble will be a slave. Vaiśyas will abandon agriculture and commerce, and gain a livelihood by servitude or the exercise of mechanical arts. Śúdras, seeking a subsistence by begging, and assuming the outward marks of religious mendicants, will become the impure followers of impious and heretical doctrines.

6.1.17

suvarṇamaṇiratnādau vastre copakṣayaṃ gate
kalau striyo bhaviṣyanti tadā keśair alaṃkṛtāḥ //

The observance of caste, order, and institutes will not prevail in the Kali age, nor will that of the ceremonial enjoined by the Sáma, Rik, and Yajur Vedas. Marriages in this age will not be conformable to the ritual, nor will the rules that connect the spiritual preceptor and his disciple be in force. The laws that regulate the conduct of husband and wife will be disregarded, and oblations to the gods with fire no longer be offered. In whatever family he may be born, a powerful and rich man will be held entitled to espouse maidens of every tribe. A regenerate man will be initiated in any way whatever, and such acts of penance as may be performed will be unattended by any results. Every text will be scripture that people choose to think so: all gods will be gods to them that worship them; and all orders of life will be common alike to all persons. In the Kali age, fasting, austerity, liberality, practised according to the pleasure of those by whom they are observed, will constitute righteousness. Pride of wealth will be inspired by very insignificant possessions. Pride of beauty will be prompted by (no other personal charm than fine) hair. Gold, jewels, diamonds, clothes, will all have perished, and then hair will be the only ornament with which women can decorate themselves. Wives will desert their husbands, when they lose their property; and they only who are wealthy will be considered by women as their lords. He who gives away much money will be the master of men; and family descent will no longer be a title of supremacy. Accumulated treasures will be expended on (ostentatious) dwellings. The minds of men will be wholly occupied in acquiring wealth; and wealth will be spent solely on selfish gratifications. Women will follow their inclinations, and be ever fond of pleasure. Men will fix their desires upon riches, even though dishonestly acquired. No man will part with the smallest fraction of the smallest coin, though entreated by a friend. Men of all degrees will conceit themselves to be equal with Brahmans. Cows will be held in esteem only as they supply milk. The people will be almost always in dread of dearth, and apprehensive of scarcity; and will hence ever be watching the appearances of the sky: they will all live, like anchorets, upon leaves and roots and fruit, and put a period to their lives through fear of famine and want. In truth there will never be abundance in the Kali age, and men will never enjoy pleasure and happiness. They will take their food without previous ablution, and without worshipping fire, gods, or guests, or offering obsequial libations to their progenitors. The women will be fickle, short of stature, gluttonous: they will have many children, and little means: scratching their heads with both hands, they will pay no attention to the commands of their husbands or parents: they will be selfish, abject, and slatternly: they will be scolds and liars: they will be indecent and immoral in their conduct, and will ever attach themselves to dissolute men. Youths, although disregarding the rules of studentship, will study the Vedas. Householders will neither sacrifice nor practise becoming liberality. Anchorets will subsist upon food accepted from rustics; and mendicants will be influenced by regard for friends and associates. Princes, instead of protecting, will plunder their subjects; and, under the pretext of levying customs, will rob merchants of their property. In the Kali age every one who has cars and elephants and steeds will be a Rájá: every one who is feeble will be a slave. Vaiśyas will abandon agriculture and commerce, and gain a livelihood by servitude or the exercise of mechanical arts. Śúdras, seeking a subsistence by begging, and assuming the outward marks of religious mendicants, will become the impure followers of impious and heretical doctrines.

6.1.18

parityakṣyanti bhartāraṃ vittahīnaṃ tathā striyaḥ
bhartā bhaviṣyati kalau vittavān eva yoṣitām //

The observance of caste, order, and institutes will not prevail in the Kali age, nor will that of the ceremonial enjoined by the Sáma, Rik, and Yajur Vedas. Marriages in this age will not be conformable to the ritual, nor will the rules that connect the spiritual preceptor and his disciple be in force. The laws that regulate the conduct of husband and wife will be disregarded, and oblations to the gods with fire no longer be offered. In whatever family he may be born, a powerful and rich man will be held entitled to espouse maidens of every tribe. A regenerate man will be initiated in any way whatever, and such acts of penance as may be performed will be unattended by any results. Every text will be scripture that people choose to think so: all gods will be gods to them that worship them; and all orders of life will be common alike to all persons. In the Kali age, fasting, austerity, liberality, practised according to the pleasure of those by whom they are observed, will constitute righteousness. Pride of wealth will be inspired by very insignificant possessions. Pride of beauty will be prompted by (no other personal charm than fine) hair. Gold, jewels, diamonds, clothes, will all have perished, and then hair will be the only ornament with which women can decorate themselves. Wives will desert their husbands, when they lose their property; and they only who are wealthy will be considered by women as their lords. He who gives away much money will be the master of men; and family descent will no longer be a title of supremacy. Accumulated treasures will be expended on (ostentatious) dwellings. The minds of men will be wholly occupied in acquiring wealth; and wealth will be spent solely on selfish gratifications. Women will follow their inclinations, and be ever fond of pleasure. Men will fix their desires upon riches, even though dishonestly acquired. No man will part with the smallest fraction of the smallest coin, though entreated by a friend. Men of all degrees will conceit themselves to be equal with Brahmans. Cows will be held in esteem only as they supply milk. The people will be almost always in dread of dearth, and apprehensive of scarcity; and will hence ever be watching the appearances of the sky: they will all live, like anchorets, upon leaves and roots and fruit, and put a period to their lives through fear of famine and want. In truth there will never be abundance in the Kali age, and men will never enjoy pleasure and happiness. They will take their food without previous ablution, and without worshipping fire, gods, or guests, or offering obsequial libations to their progenitors. The women will be fickle, short of stature, gluttonous: they will have many children, and little means: scratching their heads with both hands, they will pay no attention to the commands of their husbands or parents: they will be selfish, abject, and slatternly: they will be scolds and liars: they will be indecent and immoral in their conduct, and will ever attach themselves to dissolute men. Youths, although disregarding the rules of studentship, will study the Vedas. Householders will neither sacrifice nor practise becoming liberality. Anchorets will subsist upon food accepted from rustics; and mendicants will be influenced by regard for friends and associates. Princes, instead of protecting, will plunder their subjects; and, under the pretext of levying customs, will rob merchants of their property. In the Kali age every one who has cars and elephants and steeds will be a Rájá: every one who is feeble will be a slave. Vaiśyas will abandon agriculture and commerce, and gain a livelihood by servitude or the exercise of mechanical arts. Śúdras, seeking a subsistence by begging, and assuming the outward marks of religious mendicants, will become the impure followers of impious and heretical doctrines.

6.1.19

yo yo dadāti bahulaṃ sa sa svāmī tadā nṛṇām
svāmitvahetuḥ saṃbandho bhāvī nābhijanas tadā //

The observance of caste, order, and institutes will not prevail in the Kali age, nor will that of the ceremonial enjoined by the Sáma, Rik, and Yajur Vedas. Marriages in this age will not be conformable to the ritual, nor will the rules that connect the spiritual preceptor and his disciple be in force. The laws that regulate the conduct of husband and wife will be disregarded, and oblations to the gods with fire no longer be offered. In whatever family he may be born, a powerful and rich man will be held entitled to espouse maidens of every tribe. A regenerate man will be initiated in any way whatever, and such acts of penance as may be performed will be unattended by any results. Every text will be scripture that people choose to think so: all gods will be gods to them that worship them; and all orders of life will be common alike to all persons. In the Kali age, fasting, austerity, liberality, practised according to the pleasure of those by whom they are observed, will constitute righteousness. Pride of wealth will be inspired by very insignificant possessions. Pride of beauty will be prompted by (no other personal charm than fine) hair. Gold, jewels, diamonds, clothes, will all have perished, and then hair will be the only ornament with which women can decorate themselves. Wives will desert their husbands, when they lose their property; and they only who are wealthy will be considered by women as their lords. He who gives away much money will be the master of men; and family descent will no longer be a title of supremacy. Accumulated treasures will be expended on (ostentatious) dwellings. The minds of men will be wholly occupied in acquiring wealth; and wealth will be spent solely on selfish gratifications. Women will follow their inclinations, and be ever fond of pleasure. Men will fix their desires upon riches, even though dishonestly acquired. No man will part with the smallest fraction of the smallest coin, though entreated by a friend. Men of all degrees will conceit themselves to be equal with Brahmans. Cows will be held in esteem only as they supply milk. The people will be almost always in dread of dearth, and apprehensive of scarcity; and will hence ever be watching the appearances of the sky: they will all live, like anchorets, upon leaves and roots and fruit, and put a period to their lives through fear of famine and want. In truth there will never be abundance in the Kali age, and men will never enjoy pleasure and happiness. They will take their food without previous ablution, and without worshipping fire, gods, or guests, or offering obsequial libations to their progenitors. The women will be fickle, short of stature, gluttonous: they will have many children, and little means: scratching their heads with both hands, they will pay no attention to the commands of their husbands or parents: they will be selfish, abject, and slatternly: they will be scolds and liars: they will be indecent and immoral in their conduct, and will ever attach themselves to dissolute men. Youths, although disregarding the rules of studentship, will study the Vedas. Householders will neither sacrifice nor practise becoming liberality. Anchorets will subsist upon food accepted from rustics; and mendicants will be influenced by regard for friends and associates. Princes, instead of protecting, will plunder their subjects; and, under the pretext of levying customs, will rob merchants of their property. In the Kali age every one who has cars and elephants and steeds will be a Rájá: every one who is feeble will be a slave. Vaiśyas will abandon agriculture and commerce, and gain a livelihood by servitude or the exercise of mechanical arts. Śúdras, seeking a subsistence by begging, and assuming the outward marks of religious mendicants, will become the impure followers of impious and heretical doctrines.