The Appearance of Kali Yuga: The Story of the Cow and Bull (Dharma and Earth)

The Appearance of Kali Yuga: The Story of the Cow and Bull (Dharma and Earth)

From Canto 1: Creation (Adhikarana) — A Gentle Bedtime Story for Young Vaishnavs

Once Upon a Time…

After the reign of the noble Pandavas, their grandson Parikshit became the king of Hastinapura. He was a wise and caring ruler, always eager to protect dharma (righteousness) in the world. But a new age was about to begin—an age called Kali Yuga.

Kali Yuga is the last of the four ages, and it is known for being a time when truth and goodness slowly fade away, and people become more selfish and forgetful of dharma. The world changes, and it becomes harder for people to remember God and live with kindness.

The Strange Sight

One day, King Parikshit was traveling through his kingdom. He wanted to see for himself how his people were living and make sure everyone was safe and happy.

As he rode through the countryside, Parikshit came across a very unusual and sad scene. In a quiet field, he saw a bull standing on only one leg. The bull looked weak and frightened, his body trembling with pain. Nearby, a gentle cow was weeping, her tears falling to the ground. The cow looked thin and sad, her face full of sorrow.

Standing before the cow and bull was a cruel, dark figure with a heavy club in his hand. This wicked man was Kali, the spirit of the new age, trying to harm the bull and the cow.

The Meaning of the Cow and Bull

King Parikshit stopped his chariot and hurried to help. He shouted at Kali, “Stop! How dare you hurt these innocent creatures in my kingdom?” The evil one stepped back, frightened by the king’s power.

Parikshit asked the bull, “Who are you? Why do you stand on only one leg? Where are your other legs?” The bull replied softly, “O king, I am Dharma, the spirit of righteousness. I once stood strong on four legs—truth, purity, compassion, and kindness. But as time passes, people forget these values. In this age of Kali, only truth remains. The rest have become weak, and I have lost my strength.”

The cow, weeping beside the bull, spoke gently, “I am Mother Earth. I once gave plenty of food, water, and happiness to all. But now, I feel so much pain as people forget dharma, harm each other, and show little respect for the world.”

King Parikshit listened with a heavy heart. He understood that the bull and the cow were not just animals—they were symbols of the world’s goodness and the Earth’s well-being.

The King’s Duty

With great courage, King Parikshit turned to Kali. “You are the cause of so much pain and suffering,” he said, “You cannot stay in my kingdom and trouble these noble beings.”

Kali trembled and begged for mercy, “O king, every age must come in its time. Please give me a place where I can live without harming dharma.”

Parikshit thought deeply and said, “You may live where there is gambling, drinking, animal slaughter, and gold hoarding—places where people forget truth and kindness. But as long as I am king, dharma and Mother Earth will be safe.”

Kali accepted the king’s command and promised to stay only in those places. The cow and bull, relieved, thanked Parikshit for his protection.

The Symbol of Hope

Even as Kali Yuga began, King Parikshit gave hope to the world. He showed that, with courage and devotion, we can protect goodness and support each other—even in difficult times. Dharma may become weak, but it will never disappear as long as we remember to do what is right and show compassion to all.

Moral of the Story

Dear children, the story of the cow and bull reminds us to always stand up for what is right, to protect the Earth and all its creatures, and to keep truth and kindness alive in our hearts. No matter how hard the world may seem, even one person who lives with love and dharma can make a big difference.

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The Cow and Bull of Dharma: Parikshit’s Stand at the Dawn of Kali Yuga

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A gentle bedtime story of Parikshit, the arrival of Kali Yuga, and the allegory of the cow and bull (Dharma and Earth).

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