In this work (the Mahabharata) the four ages are described at length by Hanumat, the learned monkey chief, and from that description the following account has been abridged:-
The Krita (Satya) is the age in which righteousness (dharma) is eternal, when duties did not languish nor people decline. No efforts were made by men, the fruit of the earth was obtained by their mere wish. There was no malice, weeping, pride, or deceit; no contention, no hatred, cruelty, fear, affliction, jealousy, or envy. The castes alike in their functions fulfilled their duties, were unceasingly devoted to one deity, and
used one formula, one rule, and one rite. Though they had separate duties, they had but one Veda and practised one duty.
In the Treta Yuga sacrifice commenced, righteousness decreased by one-fourth; men adhered to truth, and were devoted to a righteousness dependent on ceremonies. Sacrifices prevailed with holy acts and a variety of rites. Men acted with an object in view, seeking after reward for their rites and their gifts, and were
no longer disposed to austerities and to liberality from a simple feeling of duty.
In the Dwapara Yuga righteousness was diminished by a half. The Yeda became fourfold. Some men studied four Yedas, others three, others two, others one, and some none at all.
Ceremonies were celebrated in a great variety of ways. From the decline of goodness only few men adhered to truth. When men had fallen away from goodness, many diseases, desires, and calamities, caused by destiny, assailed them, by which they were severely afflicted and driven to practise austerities. Others desiring heavenly bliss offered sacrifices. Thus men declined through unrighteousness.
In the Kali Yuga righteousness remained to the extent of one-fourth only.
Practices enjoined by the Vedas, works of righteousness, and rites of sacrifice ceased. Calamities, diseases, fatigue, faults, such as anger, &c., distresses, hunger, and fear prevailed. As the ages revolve righteousness declines, and the people also decline. When they decay their motives grow weak, and the general decline frustrates their aims. Muir, i. 144.
In the Knta Yuga the duration of life was four thousand years, in the Treta three thousand, in the Dwapara two thou sand. In the Kali Yuga there is no fixed measure. Other pas sages of the Maharbharata indicate that the Krita Yuga was regarded as an age in which Brahmans alone existed, and that Kshatriyas only began to be born in the Treta.
Source:
Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature by John Dowson
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