In Hinduism, Kali Yuga, 'age of
Kali' is the last of the four stages of (or ages or yugas) the world goes
through as part of a 'cycle of yugas' (i.e. mahayuga) described in the Sanskrit
scriptures. The other ages are called Satya/Krita Yuga, Treta Yuga, and Dvapara
Yuga. The "Kali" of Kali Yuga means "strife",
"discord", "quarrel" or "contention".
According to Puranic sources,
Krishna's departure marks the end of Dwapara Yuga and the start of Kali Yuga.
Based on a starting year of 3102
BCE and a duration of 432,000 years (1200 divine years), Kali Yuga began
roughly 5,121 years ago and has 426,879 years remaining as of 2020 CE. Kali
Yuga will end in the year 428,899 CE.
Possible starting and ending dates
According to the Surya Siddhanta,
Kali Yuga began at midnight (00:00) on 18 February 3102 BCE. This is also
considered the date on which Krishna left the earth to return to Vaikunta.
According to the astronomer and
mathematician Aryabhata the Kali Yuga started in 3102 BCE. He finished his book
Aryabhatiyam in 499 CE, in which he
gives the exact year of the beginning of Kali Yuga.
Attributes
Hindus believe that human civilization degenerates spiritually during the Kali Yuga.