Kalyug:Age of Darkness
The Beginning of Kalyug: The Age of Darkness
Introduction
Hindu mythology divides time into four great ages or Yugas: Satya Yuga (Golden Age), Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. Each Yuga represents a decline in righteousness (Dharma) and an increase in chaos. Among these, Kalyug is considered the darkest age, marked by moral decay, dishonesty, and suffering. It is believed that Kalyug began after the Mahabharata war, ushering in an era where truth and virtue became rare.
When Did Kalyug Begin?
According to Hindu scriptures, Kalyug officially started the moment Lord Krishna left the mortal world and ascended to his divine abode (Vaikuntha). This event occurred in 3102 BCE, marking the transition from Dwapara Yuga to Kalyug.
The exact moment is described in the scriptures:
- The Bhagavata Purana (Srimad Bhagavatam) states that as soon as Krishna departed, Dharma (righteousness) weakened, and Adharma (unrighteousness) took root.
- The Vishnu Purana also mentions that after Krishna’s departure, Kali (the demon symbolizing Kalyug) took full control of the Earth.
Signs of the Beginning of Kalyug
1. The Disappearance of Lord Krishna
Krishna's presence maintained balance in the world. His death was caused by an arrow shot by a hunter named Jara, who mistook his foot for a deer. This event marked the beginning of Kalyug.
2. The Fall of the Pandavas
With Krishna gone, the Pandavas saw no reason to rule. They handed the kingdom to Parikshit, Arjuna's grandson, and embarked on their final journey to the Himalayas, where they left the mortal world.
3. The Arrival of Kali (The Demon of Kalyug)
According to mythology, Kali, the demon symbolizing Kalyug, sought to enter the world but was prevented by King Parikshit. However, he was eventually allowed to reside in places where:
- Gambling took place
- Alcohol was consumed
- Illicit relationships existed
- Money was hoarded
Thus, the seeds of greed, deceit, and suffering were planted in society.
4. The Weakening of Dharma
In Satya Yuga, Dharma stood on four legs: Truth, Compassion, Austerity, and Purity. By the time of Kalyug, it stood only on one leg—Truth—while the others had crumbled.
Characteristics of Early Kalyug
- Rise of Corruption: Kings and rulers started prioritizing power and wealth over justice.
- Moral Decline: Deception, dishonesty, and hypocrisy became common.
- Loss of Wisdom: True spiritual knowledge became rare, and people started questioning divine principles.
- Weakening of Human Lifespan: In earlier Yugas, humans lived for thousands of years. In Kalyug, lifespans gradually reduced to just a few decades.
Is There a Hope for Humanity?
Despite the darkness of Kalyug, Hindu texts also offer hope. The Bhagavata Purana predicts the arrival of Kalki Avatar, the tenth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who will end Kalyug and restore Dharma, leading to the beginning of a new Satya Yuga. Until then, following the path of righteousness, devotion (Bhakti), and truth is the best way to navigate this challenging era.
Conclusion
The beginning of Kalyug was a monumental transition in human history, marking a decline in morality and the rise of materialism. While it is considered the age of ignorance and suffering, spiritual wisdom and devotion can still lead one toward enlightenment. The scriptures assure us that even in the darkest times, faith and righteousness can shine through.
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