Markandeya continued his narration, describing the dark age that was to come, when the order of righteousness would fall into decay and the sanctity of all things holy would wane. The temples and the fire pits of the Brahmins would lose their purpose; the sacred missions would drift into disorder. The trees that once bore fruit would wither, creepers would dry, and the very roots of the earth would weaken.
Ashrams would cease to be abodes of penance and turn into places of trade and vain propaganda. The forests, once sacred and alive with sages, would be destroyed and seized by men of greed. The domination of women by men devoid of understanding would become cruel and corrupt, shaking the very fabric of family life. In the name of modern culture, women would take to intoxicants and indulge in habits once shunned.
The reverence between teacher and pupil would vanish; disciples would no longer heed their masters, and in their folly would even mislead them. Relationships would be forged in selfishness and broken by gain; affection and compassion would be cast aside. Famine and flood would visit the lands in succession, and fear would dwell in the hearts of all. O light of the Kuru race, in this age every virtue shall turn upon its head. People will be restless and haunted by ill omens.
Holy towns and sacred shrines shall lose their sanctity, the law will falter, and men will wander without purpose, their spirits dimmed. Yet, when this long night nears its end, the divine shall again descend. In a village named Sambala, a noble soul will be born of Vishnuyasa, a man learned in the Vedas and radiant with devotion to Vishnu.
Mastering the science of archery and the art of war with ease, he will gather Brahmins and righteous men and strike down the vile tribes who live without virtue. He will restore order and perform the sacred horse sacrifice with the glory of a celestial king. His austerities will win him great merit; believing that the earth belongs to the Brahmins, he will divide it among the worthy, and then retire to the forest for penance. In time, the Brahmins and all other castes will return to their duties, and each class will abide by its law. Thus, society will become orderly and prosperous once more. The age of truth will dawn again, and righteousness shall stand firm on its four pillars.
The world will be resplendent with virtue; forests will bloom, fields will yield in due season, and temples will resound with hymns and discourse. The hermitages will glow with the sacred fire and Vedic chants. The rule set by Vishnuyasa will prevail, and harmony shall embrace the earth. The seasons will be gentle, the stars bright, and omens auspicious. Thus ends the course of the dark age and begins the reign of truth.
In the age that follows, righteousness will stand in three parts; in the next, in two; and then the cycle of time will revolve again. I have seen it, O descendant of Kuru, and have spoken of what was and what shall be. Mark well these words, for they are guidance and wisdom. Thou hast ever shown reverence to the Brahmins; know then that when they are content, all virtue shall be thine. Their blessings can make the master of any deed. Be kind alike to man, beast, and the very earth.
Regard thy subjects as thine own children. Before choosing the path of duty, recall the wisdom of the ancients and walk with faith. Cast off pride and anger; speak only the truth in gentle tones. Seek knowledge that grows with time and temper thy mind to the age thou livest in. Thus spoke the sage. Dharmaja bowed and said, “I have listened with full heart. I have long striven to free myself from envy and greed. Now, by thy counsel, I shall live by righteousness.
Yet, O venerable one, tell me further of the glory of the Brahmins.” Markandeya then spoke of an ancient tale. In the days of old, a mighty king of Ayodhya was born of the solar line, radiant as the sun himself. His name was Parikshit, famed for courage and merit. Once, while hunting in the forest, he beheld a maiden of celestial beauty moving with the grace of an elephant through the creepers, gathering flowers. Enchanted, the king approached and asked who she was and why she roamed the lonely wood.
The maiden, with eyes like lotus petals, replied that she was a virgin seeking a worthy husband and asked if he deemed himself such. Struck by her words and charm, the king consented, and she laid one condition—that he must never take her to water or amusements of the lake. He agreed, and they lived in joy. But one day, as the season changed, the king desired to sport by the lake, fragrant with lotus blooms. Forgetting her warning, he asked her to bathe. Smiling, she stepped into the waters and vanished. Distraught, the king drained the lake, finding only frogs beneath. In wrath, he ordered their destruction across the land. The lord of frogs, Ayu, came disguised as a sage, reproving the king for his folly. But Parikshit, blind with anger, justified his cruelty.
Then Ayu revealed his form and said, “The maiden was my daughter, who deceived many before thee. Thy sons shall bear her deceit as their curse.” Yet the king, pacified, received her again and begot three sons—Salu, Nala, and Vala. He later crowned Salu and retired to the forest. In time, Prince Salu went hunting and sought swift horses from the sage Vamadeva to pursue his prey. The sage lent them on condition of their return, but the prince, enamoured of their might, kept them for himself.
When the sage’s disciple came to claim them, the proud king mocked him. Angered, Vamadeva himself appeared and warned of sin in coveting a Brahmin’s possession. Salu scorned him and ordered his death, whereupon the sage, aflame with wrath, summoned fierce spirits that slew the king and his men. His brother Nala succeeded him, but when he too disrespected the sage, his son perished by his own poisoned arrow.
Stricken by remorse, Nala bowed before the seer, confessing his folly. Vamadeva, appeased, restored his son to life and reclaimed his steeds. Markandeya ended, saying, “Thus is the might and sanctity of the Brahmins, whose words shape destiny itself. He who offends them falls; he who honours them rises. For in their wisdom lies the hidden law that sustains the worlds.”
