Section CLXXXIX - Future of Earth in Kali Yuga: Markandeya's Prophecy
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXXXIX including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
The story begins with Yudhishthira asking the sage Markandeya about the future course of the Earth. Markandeya describes the gradual decline of morality and virtue in each Yuga, leading to a time in the Kali age when deceit, avarice, and sin will be prevalent. Society will be filled with discord, immorality, and a lack of respect for traditional values. People will become cruel, selfish, and violent towards each other, with families turning against each other, and societal order breaking down.
As the Kali age progresses, the Earth will be filled with mleccha behavior and sin, with men becoming omnivorous and cruel. Society will be marked by distrust, deception, and a lack of compassion, as people are driven by greed and selfishness. The once clear distinctions between social classes will disappear, and everyone will be equal in their behavior. The lack of moral values will lead to chaos and suffering, with no one trusting one another and peace becoming a rare commodity.
Towards the end of the Yuga, signs of impending doom will become apparent, with natural calamities, societal breakdown, and moral decay reaching their peak. People will be driven by fear, anxiety, and a desperate struggle for survival, with no regard for ethical behavior or compassion. The Sun will be engulfed by Rahu, fires will blaze uncontrollably, and the earth will be plagued by famine and dearth. The end of the Yuga will be marked by widespread destruction, violence, and suffering, as humanity reaches its lowest point.
However, after the dark times of the Kali Yuga, a new age will begin, heralded by the appearance of a powerful Brahmana named Kalki. He will possess great strength, intelligence, and virtue, and will restore order and peace in the world. With his righteous rule, Kalki will bring an end to the chaos and destruction, and usher in a new era of prosperity and harmony. Surrounded by the Brahmanas, he will eliminate all evil and establish a new Yuga, bringing about a renewal of the world and the triumph of virtue over vice.
In conclusion, the story foretells the cyclical nature of time and the rise and fall of civilizations through the different Yugas. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of moral decay, selfishness, and greed, and the importance of upholding virtuous values in society. Despite the dark times that may come, there is hope for renewal and redemption with the arrival of a righteous leader like Kalki. Ultimately, it is a reminder of the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the eventual triumph of righteousness in the cosmic cycle of creation and destruction.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section CLXXXIX - Future of Earth in Kali Yuga: Markandeya's Prophecy, have a look at the following articles:
Section CLXXXIX, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
Read this and other chapters online.
Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
Buy the latest edition:
FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CLXXXIX:
What is the significance of Kali Yuga in the Hindu belief system?
Kali Yuga represents a period of moral decline and chaos, where virtue diminishes and sin prevails. It is believed to be the final of the four Yugas in the cycle of creation and destruction.
What are the characteristics of the people living in Kali Yuga?
In Kali Yuga, people will be deceitful, avaricious, and lacking in morality. They will be inclined towards sinful behavior and will lack wisdom and virtue. Society will be filled with greed and cruelty.
Who is Kalki and what is his role in Hindu mythology?
Kalki is a future incarnation of Vishnu who will appear in the town of Sambhala to restore order and peace in the world. He will possess great intelligence, energy, and prowess, and will bring about the end of the current cycle of creation.
What are some of the signs that indicate the end of a Yuga?
The end of a Yuga is marked by various calamities such as dearth, famine, unseasonable rains, political turmoil, moral degradation, and celestial phenomena like the swallowing of the Sun by Rahu. It is a time of chaos and destruction.
How do the societal norms and behaviors change as the Yuga approaches its end?
During the end of a Yuga, social order breaks down, morals decline, hierarchies disintegrate, and people become greedy, deceitful, and disrespectful towards one another. The distinctions between classes and genders blur, leading to widespread unrest and suffering.
What is the ultimate outcome of the cycle of Yugas in Hindu cosmology?
The cycle of Yugas involves periods of creation, maintenance, and destruction. The end of a Yuga marks a time of great chaos and suffering, but ultimately leads to a new beginning where order and virtue are restored, and the cycle begins anew.
Daily life: Future of Earth in Kali Yuga: Markandeya's Prophecy:
The story from the ancient epic Mahabharata, told by the sage Markandeya, provides a vivid prediction of the decline in moral and societal values during the end times of the Kali Yuga, leading to a period of darkness and disarray. It describes a future where virtues dwindle, people deceive one another, and respect for life and nature erodes. However, it also foretells a subsequent renewal of the world, where order, virtue, and peace are restored by a divine intervention, marking the beginning of a new era, the Krita Yuga. This cyclical view of time, involving the decay and rejuvenation of moral and societal structures, offers several lessons for our daily lives.
Firstly, the narrative emphasizes the importance of maintaining virtue and integrity, despite the prevailing trends of deceit and moral decline. It suggests that by adhering to ethical principles and virtues, one can contribute to the sustenance of societal harmony, even in times of widespread moral erosion. It promotes the idea of being a beacon of righteousness and truth in a world that might often reward the opposite.
Additionally, the story underscores the significance of hope and the belief in renewal. No matter how dire the circumstances, it presents the possibility of a new beginning, where righteousness and peace prevail. This teaches us to remain optimistic and to work towards positive change, believing in the potential for a better future.
Moreover, it highlights the role of individuals in collectively shaping the destiny of society. Each person's commitment to virtue and righteousness adds to the collective moral fabric, influencing the course of societal evolution. Therefore, personal accountability and conscious living become crucial in navigating times of moral and societal challenges.
In essence, the sage Markandeya’s tale from the Mahabharata serves as a reminder to nurture virtues like honesty, compassion, and respect for all life forms. It encourages us to lead by example, harbor hope for rejuvenation, and actively contribute to the creation of a harmonious and just society, even amidst prevailing darkness and adversity.