According to most interpretations of Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas, the Kali Yuga (Iron Age) began at the end of Krishna's bodily lifespan (approximately 5100 years ago, 3102 BC) and will last exactly 432,000 years — placing its conclusion in the year AD 428,899 (it began with a year 0). Kalki, the 10th and final avatar of Vishnu, is expected to appear at this time, riding a white horse and wielding a flaming sword with which to strike down the wicked.
Kali Yuga is the last of four Yugas; upon its conclusion, the world will 'reboot' into a new Satya Yuga (Golden Age.) This involves the end of the world as we know it and the return of Earth to a state of paradise. Kali Yuga began at midnight (00:00) on 18 February 3102 BC according to the Surya Siddhanta, which is an astronomical treatise that forms the basis of all Hindu and Buddhist calendars.
Problems that arise in the Kali Yuga
There is a increase in material technology but there is a huge decrease in spirituality. Kali Yuga is the only Yuga in which irreligion/atheism is more powerful and popular than religion. Only a quarter of each of the four virtues of Dharma (penance, truthfulness, compassion and charity) is carried out by humans now. Nobility is determined only by the wealth of a person. Law and justice are determined by one's prestige and power. The poor become enslaved by the rich and powerful. Words such as charity and freedom are constantly used by the people, yet are never done.
Sexual Problems
Kali Yuga brought about the introduction of ,Pornography, Homosexuals and Transsexuals, hence corrupting society further. Unlike in the other three Yugas where sexuality symbolised love, bonding and devotion, in Kali Yuga, it means lust, greed and desire. Marriage only remains to exist because of a sexual attraction between the man and woman. Sexual restraint is lost among all humans.
Warfare
“Civilised” warfare is gone and humans fight like Asuras and Rakshasas. Unlike in the other Yugas where there would be a daily ceasefire by sunset to mourn the losses, cremate the victims and to reflect on the war, Kali Yuga battles are fought constantly, just for the sake of winning. Sadism also flourishes.
Nobility/Respect
People are no longer respected by the intelliegence, knowledge and spiritual wisdom. Instead material wealth and to a lesser extent, physical strength is what makes a person regarded highly. Even though respect is shown externally among the people, internally nobody respects anybody anymore. Everyone thinks the ultimate goal in life is to be respected, hence become wealthy and phyisically strong.
Changes in the people
Humans become shorter in height and weaker physically as well as mentally and spiritually. There is false preaching to false Gods, idols and gurus. In addition, everybody will modify the definitions of fasting, meditation and austerity, so it suits their needs. However, by doing this, they are not following the strict moral code and law of the Vedas, therefore they will hardly gain anything.
Changes in man
In Kali Yuga, Men question the power of Brahmins, religious ceremonies, the existence of gods and the authority of the Vedas. There is longer any respect towards elders and children. Jealousy grows among each man and they despise, hate and are ready to kill each other over few coins. The actions of men and savage beasts are alike.
Changes in woman
Women in this era shall be immoral and licentious by nature because they are neglected left unprotected. Although earlier they are treated inferior to the male and always abused, later on they start to dominate politics and other affairs. Women begin to eat too much. They lose their shyness and begin to betray their husbands by having affairs. Many women engage in prostitution. Because of this, a high and unwanted number of children are born, so abortion is introduced.
Lives of each of the Castes
Other Views of Kali Yuga
According to Sri Aurobindo, Kali Yuga lasts far less than 432,000 years. The followers of the Purna Yoga believe that the Mother successfully solicited the early termination of the Kali Yuga in 1969, and the abolition of pralaya (normal process of destruction of the universe at the end of a kalpa (Cosmic Cycle of Creation-Destruction)).
According to Akilattirattu Ammanai the holy book of Ayyavazhi religion and source of Ayyavazhi mythology, this Kali Yuga is the seventh of the eight yugas. The Asura of this yuga Kaliyan was the sixth-fragment of Kroni the primordial manifestation of evil.