Similar to birth, after which death is inevitable, the transition of eras is also considered predetermined. In Hindu texts, time is divided into four yugas: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvaraka Yuga, and Kali Yuga. It is currently believed that Kali Yuga has begun. Religious scriptures contain descriptions of the characteristics of Kali Yuga and the changes that will occur during this period. The following examines predictions about human life and society according to the Shiva Purana under the conditions of the harsh Kali Yuga.
People in Kali Yuga will distance themselves from righteous deeds
According to the description of Kali Yuga in the Shiva Purana, people will begin to move away from virtuous actions and become involved in vices. They will stop telling the truth and prefer to criticize others. The desire to appropriate others' property grows, and there is also a tendency towards attachment to another person's wife. People will not hesitate to commit violence against other living beings. Humans will begin to perceive their body as the soul, lose virtues, and their mind will become animalistic.
It is also noted that hostility towards parents increases.
The nature of religion and knowledge will change
The text also provides signs of Kali Yuga concerning Brahmins. It is asserted that they may succumb to greed, and the tendency to sell sacred scriptures for profit will increase. The goal of learning will be solely to earn income, rather than to gain knowledge. People will abandon their traditional duties and actions. The inclination to deceive others will intensify. It is also mentioned a detachment from regular religious rituals and practices, such as Sandhavandan. Interest in Brahmanic knowledge will also decrease.
Lack of valor among Kshatriyas
The description of Kali Yuga also touches upon the Kshatriya class, which will begin to renounce adherence to Dharma. They will lack courage and valor and will start earning a living through improper means. The priority of wrongful actions over duties and Dharma will increase.
Rise of fraud in trade
As for the Vaishyas, the scripture speaks of their detachment from Dharma and traditions. Their main goal will become making money. Trends such as dishonesty in weighing during trade and deceiving people in other ways are described. Similarly, it is said that Shudras will cease to perform their prescribed duties and will begin adopting the manners and views of other castes. There will be an increased emphasis on external appearance and showmanship, while they distance themselves from their obligations.
People will argue even when educated
Much is also said about the character of people in Kali Yuga. A person may deviate from their Dharma and duties, and their thoughts may become contrary to Dharma. The tendency towards cunning and criticizing others will intensify. It is asserted that a wealthy person may use their resources to commit wrongful acts. Even an educated person may use their knowledge not to seek truth, but to prove their superiority in arguments.
People, considering themselves noble, will violate social norms. Marital and social relationships between different social classes that were considered contradictory to the existing order are described.
What is said about women in Kali Yuga?
This description in the Shiva Purana also presents some negative traits of women in Kali Yuga. Trends such as abandoning virtue, insulting their husbands, and hostility towards mothers-in-law and sisters-in-law are mentioned. Changes in their behavior, diet, and lifestyle are discussed. Signs such as refusing to serve their husbands and family duties are also described.
Nevertheless, it is emphasized that these descriptions must be understood within the context of the religious and social environment of that time, and should not be incorrectly applied to every individual or woman in modern society.
Are the signs of Kali Yuga visible today?
After reading these descriptions of Kali Yuga in the Shiva Purana, many believe that some of these tendencies are also manifesting in modern society. Problems such as lying, greed, deception, violence, egoism, and growing emotional distance in relationships still exist in society. However, it is important to remember that a direct scientific link between the prophecy described in the ancient scripture and contemporary events cannot be established. These assertions are viewed in the context of the cyclical flow of ages described in religious beliefs and texts.
According to religious beliefs, the duration of Kali Yuga is considered very long, so the present time is seen as the initial stage of Kali Yuga, with much time remaining until its completion.