As Nag Ashwin’s movie ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is set for release, let’s explore the mythological significance of the Kalki avatar. Kalki 2898 AD Who is ‘Kalki’ and When Will This Avatar Appear
Kalki 2898 AD Who is ‘Kalki’ and When Will This Avatar Appear
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna declares, “For the protection of the good, the destruction of the wicked, and the establishment of righteousness, I am born in every age.” According to Hindu scriptures, Maha Vishnu incarnates to re-establish dharma on Earth. So far, nine avatars of Vishnu have been manifested. In Kali Yuga, Vishnu’s tenth avatar will be Kalki. This concept has inspired director Nag Ashwin to create the cinematic interpretation, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’. The movie, which has completed filming, is set to release on June 27. Let’s delve into the significance of the Kalki avatar as described in our scriptures.
Where Are We in Kali Yuga?
Vyasa Maharshi, the sage who compiled the Vedas, Mahabharata, and Puranas, provides detailed accounts of the Kalki avatar. To understand when Kalki will appear, we must first understand the concept of Yugas (ages). According to the Vedas, there are four Yugas: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga.
- Satya Yuga (Krita Yuga): The age of truth and perfection, where righteousness (dharma) is fully established. People lived in happiness without suffering or premature death.
- Treta Yuga: Lord Rama incarnated in this era, establishing righteousness after vanquishing Ravana. Dharma stood on three legs.
- Dwapara Yuga: This era saw the incarnation of Lord Krishna. Dharma was supported by two legs.
- Kali Yuga: Currently, we are in Kali Yuga, which spans 432,000 years. According to Surya Siddhanta, a foundational text for Hindu and Buddhist timekeeping, Kali Yuga began on February 18, 3102 BCE, at midnight, coinciding with Lord Krishna’s departure from Earth. Kali Yuga also has four legs, and we are presently in the first leg.
The end of Kali Yuga will witness the appearance of Kalki, who will punish the wicked, protect the righteous, and re-establish Satya Yuga, according to Vyasa Maharshi.
Events Leading Up to the Kalki Avatar
The Kalki avatar is the tenth and final avatar in the Dashavatara (ten avatars) of Vishnu. As the years progress, several signs will precede his arrival:
- Rituals and sacrifices (yajnas) will disappear.
- Cow slaughter and meat consumption will become routine.
- The institution of marriage will deteriorate, with children neglecting their elderly parents.
- Respect for elders and love in marriages will fade.
- Lifespans will drastically shorten, with people living only up to 18 years.
- Humans will be dominated by desires, anger, greed, and jealousy.
- Every commodity will become adulterated.
- Unseasonal rains will diminish the productivity of trees, flowers, and fruits.
- Rulers, instead of protecting their people, will oppress and exploit them.
- Brahmins will abandon Vedic studies and practice, while society indulges in physical pleasures.
- Theft and deception will increase as charity diminishes.
In the final leg of Kali Yuga, when dharma is severely compromised, Kalki will be born in the village of Shambhala to a Brahmin named Vishnuyasha. Identified as the tenth avatar of Vishnu, Kalki will mount a white horse, wield a blazing sword, and eradicate the corrupt rulers and evil-doers, restoring dharma.
What Will the Movie ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Showcase?
Nag Ashwin’s ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is a fictional narrative inspired by mythological themes, blending ancient settings with modern technology to create a new world. The movie revolves around three realms: Kashi, Complex, and Shambhala, depicting their conflicts. However, the movie’s plot intricacies remain under wraps.
Prabhas stars as Bhairava, while Kamal Haasan plays the antagonist named Yaskin. Amitabh Bachchan portrays Ashwatthama, tasked with protecting the pregnant Sumati (played by Deepika Padukone). The question remains whether Prabhas’s character will transform into Kalki or if Kamal Haasan’s character represents Kali. To uncover these details, audiences will need to watch the film.
This adaptation of the Kalki story promises to bring a fresh perspective to an ancient legend, merging traditional lore with futuristic storytelling to captivate viewers.