(With Direct References from the Shrimad Bhagavatam)
In Hindu cosmology, the transition from one Yug to another unfolds through decisive events that reveal the spiritual condition of humanity. One such pivotal episode, recorded in the Shrimad Bhagavatam, is the encounter between King Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna, and Kali, the personification of Kali Yuga.
This account, found in First Skandha, Adhyay 16 and 17, explains not only the arrival of Kali Yuga but also why certain vices—and especially gold—serve as primary instruments of moral decline.
(Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.16.1–6)
After the departure of Lord Krishna from the Earth, King Parikshit ascended the throne of Hastinapur. The Bhagavatam describes him as a Rajarshi, a king who ruled in complete alignment with Dharma:
“King Parikshit was a protector of the helpless and a chastiser of the miscreants. He ruled the Earth exactly like his forefathers.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.16.1–2)
Although Kali Yuga had begun with Krishna’s departure, its effects were restrained due to Parikshit’s righteous governance:
“Because of the King’s presence, the personality of Kali could not flourish.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.16.4)
(Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.16.7–13)
While touring his kingdom, King Parikshit encountered a shocking sight: a man dressed as a king was beating a cow and a bull with a club.
The Bhagavatam explains the symbolism clearly:
The Bull (Dharma) had lost three of its four legs:
The Cow (Earth) was trembling and crying, having lost her protector after Krishna’s departure (Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.16.18)
Enraged, King Parikshit prepared to kill the offender:
“Who are you, dressed as a king, beating an innocent cow and bull? In my kingdom such a sinner deserves death.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.16.10–11)
At this point, the offender revealed himself as Kali, the presiding deity of the age.
(Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.16.22–30)
Terrified of death, Kali surrendered completely:
“I am Kali, the lord of this age. Please grant me a place to reside, for without shelter I cannot exist.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.16.23–24)
King Parikshit, though uncompromising toward Adharma, was bound by the duty of a Kshatriya not to kill one who had surrendered.
(Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.17.38)
In Adhyay 17, King Parikshit granted Kali residence only in places already saturated with sin:
“You may reside where gambling, intoxication, illicit association with women, and animal slaughter are practiced.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.17.38)
These correspond to:
(Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.17.39)
Kali then made a strategic request:
“All these places are frequented by fallen people. Please grant me a residence where wealth is hoarded.” (Paraphrased from Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.17.39)
King Parikshit agreed, and thus Kali was granted residence in gold (Hiranya or Jatam):
“The King allowed Kali to live wherever there is gold, because gold generates falsehood, intoxication, lust, envy, and enmity.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.17.39)
This verse clearly establishes gold as the gateway through which Kali penetrates even respectable society.
(Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.18.1–8)
Despite his virtue, King Parikshit later came under Kali’s influence. The Bhagavatam implies that arrogance born of royal power—amplified by Kali’s presence—clouded his judgment.
During a hunting expedition, fatigued and thirsty, Parikshit approached Sage Shamika’s hermitage. When the sage did not respond due to deep meditation, the King committed a momentary lapse:
“Out of fatigue, hunger, and thirst, the King placed a dead snake around the sage’s neck.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.18.8)
This act, though minor in action, carried grave karmic consequences.
(Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.18.14–15)
Sage Shamika’s son, Shringi, upon hearing of the insult, cursed King Parikshit:
“Within seven days, the King who insulted a Brahmin will die by the bite of a serpent.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.18.14)
(Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.19–2.1)
Though Kali succeeded in influencing events, the ultimate outcome was divine. Accepting the curse humbly, King Parikshit renounced his kingdom and sat on the banks of the Ganges:
“The King fixed his mind on the Supreme and gave up all attachments.” (Shrimad Bhagavatam 1.19.1–6)
For seven days, he listened to the Shrimad Bhagavatam from Sage Shukadeva, attaining liberation before death.
The Bhagavatam makes it clear: Kali does not dominate through force alone, but through greed, attachment, and gold. This episode stands as a timeless warning that even the righteous must remain vigilant, for Kali Yuga operates subtly—through desire rather than violence.