In the four yugas, Krita, Treta, Dwapara and Kali, there is natural decline in the way people uphold moral standards and practise their nitya and naimittika dharmas. So too, the benefits derived in Krita Yuga through meditation, sacrifices in Treta Yuga and worship in Dwapara yuga, are attainable in Kali yuga through chanting the Lord’s sacred Nama. Adi Sankara alludes to the famous verse that proclaims the efficacy of meditating on Lord Narayana. It is at the transition of Dwapara and Kali Yugas, when the Mahabharata war that was fought to establish dharma and quell adharma is just over. Bhishma, the great warrior and realised soul, then imparts this hymn that continues to provide the greatest mental strength to each individual in search of dharma, peace of mind and salvation.

Source: The Hindu May 30, 2021 16:38 UTC