Evolution of Theism

“The age of truth, Satya-yuga, manifests the predominance of material goodness, and Kali-yuga manifests the predominance of ignorance. According to Srila Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura, within each age the other three ages occasionally manifest as sub-ages. Thus even within Satya-yuga a demon in the mode of ignorance may appear, and within the age of Kali the highest religious principles may flourish for some time. As described in Srimad-Bhagavatam, the three modes of nature are present everywhere and in everything, but the predominant mode, or combination of modes, determines the general character of any material phenomenon. In each age, therefore, the three modes are present in varying proportions. The particular age represented by goodness (Satya), passion (Treta), passion and ignorance (Dvapara) or ignorance (Kali) exists within each of the other ages as a subfactor.” (SB 12.3.26)

Soon after Krishna’s departure from the world, Maharaja Pariksit was enthroned as King. When he detected the nefarious acts of Kali he rushed to rectify the situation. Threatened with death, the trembling personality of Kali humbly surrendered to Maharaja Pariksit, who graciously gave him four places to reside – where there is gambling, intoxication, meat-eating and illicit sex. Maharaja Pariksit further permitted Kali to reside in any place where gold is hoarded, since the four destructive activities tend to manifest in such places.

Krishna had left the planet, and things were set to decline. Over time, the pure teachings of sanatana-dharma that Krishna had established became compromised and skewed. People lost track of the essence, over-emphasised the ritualistic practices, became absorbed in material side benefits, and even began misusing the teachings for their selfish enjoyment. Seeing this, the Lord instigated a series of steps to reinstate the pure teachings of Srimad-Bhagavatam, along with the most powerful process of application.