The meanest churl, if only he is rich, is accounted noble. A Brahman is known only by his sacred thread and an ascetic by his naked body. Anyone who rejects the Vedas and Puranas is held to be a true saint and servant of Hari in the Kaliyuga.

Poets are seen in large numbers; but the munificent (who reward them) are seldom heard of. Those who carp at others’ virtues can be had in any number, but not one to practise them. In the Kaliyuga famines are of frequent occurrence and people perish miserably for want of food.

Listen, O kings of birds in the Kaliyuga duplicity, perversity, hypocrisy, malice, heresy, arrogance, infatuation, lust, pride and the like pervade the whole universe.

Men practise prayer, penance and charity, perform sacrifices and undertake sacred vows with some unholy design; the gods rain not upon the earth and foodgrains sown in the soul do not germinate.

Women have no ornament except their tresses and have an enormous appetite (are never satisfied). Though miserable for want of money, they are rich in attachment of various kinds. Though hankering after happiness, they have no regard for piety, stupid as they are. Though they are poor in wits, their minds are hardened and know no tenderness.

As for men, they are afflicted with disease and find no enjoyment anywhere. They are conceited and contend with others without cause. Though their lives are short, some five or ten years, yet in their pride they reckon on outliving the end of the aeon.

The Kaliyuga has so unsettled mankind that no one respects the sanctity of one’s sister or daughter. There is no contentment, discernment or composure. People of all classes, whether of high or low degree, have taken to begging.’