Kalki Purāṇa

The Kalki Purāṇa is one of the eighteen minor Purāṇas, devoted to the prophecy of the Kalki avatāra, the final incarnation of Vishnu who will appear at the end of the Kali Yuga to restore dharma.

Overview

The text narrates the coming of Kalki, who will appear as a Brahmin boy riding a white horse and wielding a blazing sword. He will destroy the forces of adharma (unrighteousness) and inaugurate the new Satya Yuga (age of truth). It contains approximately 1,700 verses.

Content and Structure

The Kalki Purāṇa describes the degeneration of society in the Kali Yuga, the rise of adharma, and the appearance of Kalki to restore cosmic order. It narrates Kalki’s battles with the forces of evil, his establishment of a righteous kingdom, and the renewal of the four-fold social order. The text also includes prophecies about the political and social conditions of the future.

Significance

The text is significant for its eschatological vision, which has influenced Hindu messianic expectations for centuries. The Kalki prophecy has been invoked in various political and social reform movements throughout Indian history.

Verification Notes

• Classified as an Upa-purāṇa (minor Purāṇa).
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).