By Sruthiga S.

One of the most well-known aspects of Hinduism is the the story of the Dashavatara, or the ten incarnations of Vishnu. It is believed that Vishnu incarnates in each Yuga (a cycle of time) to preserve the universe and restore dharma. The Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, and Narasimha avatars in Satya Yuga; Vamana, Parashurama, and Rama in Treta Yuga; and Krishna and Buddha in Dwapara Yuga are all believed to be incarnations of Vishnu.

Kalki, the tenth incarnation, is prophesied to appear at the end of Kali Yuga. The story of Kalki is about the arrival of a divine savior who restores order in a world plagued by chaos and moral decline.  

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Kalki’s birth and appearance 

According to most sources, Kalki is described as a divine warrior, riding a pure white horse and carrying a blazing sword to symbolise the destruction of darkness and chaos. Kalki’s mission, as described in the Hindu puranas, centers on his role in vanquishing the evil forces that will rise during the Kali Yuga.  

One of the earliest references to Kalki has been found in the Mahabharata. Various puranas like Vishnu Purana, Garuda Purana, Devi Bhagwata Purana and Agni Purana also mention Kalki’s birth, while a more detailed account is found in the Kalki Purana. According to the Kalki Purana, Kalki will be born to Vishnuyashas and Sumati in the village of Shambala. He will then be educated in the sacred scriptures, principles of dharma, karma, artha, and jñāna, and undergo rigorous military training under Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu. The majestic white horse named Devadatta, a powerful sword with a jeweled hilt, and a parrot named Shuka who possesses knowledge of the past, present, and future will be blessings granted to Kalki by Shiva.

Kalki’s mission

According to the Hindu cycle of Yugas, Kali Yuga began around 3102 BCE and will last for 432,000 years. Kalki is predicted to be born at the end of this Yuga. As Kali Yuga progresses, it is said that spiritually advanced souls will gradually vanish, and the dark forces will rise, leading to frequent storms, floods, and continuous suffering. In this darkest period, Kalki is foretold to engage in a battle against evil forces and destructive wars, ultimately returning to Shambhala after fulfilling his mission. There, he will initiate the new Satya Yuga and finally ascend to Vaikuntha, the divine abode of Vishnu. Kalki’s actions in that period symbolize the transition from the chaos of Kali Yuga to the peace and prosperity of Satya Yuga.  

Kalki in the present

Today, many scholars and spiritual leaders view the Kalki prophecy symbolically, interpreting Kalki as a transformative force within humanity to address moral and ethical crises, rather than a literal figure. This perspective aligns with the Vedic belief that God is omniscient and present in all. It emphasises the notion that we all possess divine power and we are the creators of our own lives. 

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