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This story explains how the Kali Yuga, the final age of the world cycle, began after the great war of Kurukshetra and Krishna’s departure from Earth. It highlights the cosmic events and divine plan that marked the transition from Dvapara Yuga to Kali Yuga.
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Lord Krishna: Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and revered deities in Hinduism. He is worshiped as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu and is known for his divine teachings in the Bhagavad Gita and for his role in the epic Mahabharata.
The Kali Yuga is the fourth and final age in the cycle of time (Yuga Cycle) described in scriptures like the Mahabharata, Vishnu Purana, and Bhagavata Purana.
When did Kali Yuga begin?
Kali Yuga started after the great war of Kurukshetra, which marked the end of the Dvapara Yuga. Krishna had fulfilled His divine purpose by helping the Pandavas defeat the Kauravas, ending the reign of Kansa, and destroying many Asuras (demons).
Knowing His time on Earth was coming to an end, Krishna retired to the forest of Prabhas Kshetra, in modern-day Gujarat. However, His Yadava clan fell into chaos due to a curse from sages. Pride and intoxication led them to fight among themselves, resulting in their mutual destruction. This event was part of Krishna’s divine plan and signaled the end of His mission on Earth.
While meditating under a tree in Prabhas Kshetra, Krishna lay with part of His foot exposed. A hunter named Jara, mistaking it for a deer, shot an arrow at Him. Realizing his mistake, Jara fell at Krishna’s feet and begged for forgiveness. Krishna consoled him, explaining that this event was destined and part of the divine plan.
At that moment, Krishna’s mortal body left the Earth, and His divine essence returned to Vaikuntha, Vishnu’s eternal abode. This event marked the end of the Dvapara Yuga.
The Beginning of Kali Yuga
Krishna’s departure signaled the start of Kali Yuga. Ancient scriptures say this was marked by a rare cosmic event. The famous Indian astronomer Aryabhata recorded this in his work, Aryabhatiya. According to him, Kali Yuga began at midnight on February 17/18, 3102 BCE.
The celestial signs included the alignment of the seven visible planets and the rise of the star Revati, showing the transition to a new era.
Significance of Kali Yuga
Kali Yuga is known as a time of spiritual decline, but it is also seen as an era where attaining Moksha (liberation) is easier. Krishna assured that whenever adharma (unrighteousness) prevails, He will incarnate to restore balance. It is believed that Shri Vishnu will appear as Kalki, His final avatar, to end Kali Yuga and start a new cycle of creation.
Kali Yuga began with Krishna’s departure, marking the end of an era and the start of a time defined by spiritual challenges. Yet, Krishna’s promise of returning whenever dharma declines offers hope for restoration and balance in the future.
