Longing for Spiritual Guidance
After subduing powerful kings and establishing dharma in many lands, Lord Kalki paused. Though He possessed infinite strength and divine knowledge, He still honored the tradition of seeking spiritual instruction.
He desired not only to cleanse the world with His weapons but also to receive wisdom from eternal sages, just as Rāma had done with Vasiṣṭha and Kṛṣṇa with Sāndīpani.
Thus, He prepared to travel north—to the sacred forests of Badarikāśrama, nestled in the Himalayas, where the divine sages Nara and Nārāyaṇa were eternally engaged in penance.
The Sacred Ascent to Badarikāśrama
Mounted on Devadatta, Kalki crossed rivers, forests, and mountains, blessing each land along the way. Wherever He went, the land blossomed, sinners repented, and sages came out of hiding to receive His darśana.
Eventually, the Lord arrived at the snow-capped region where Badarī trees offered their fruit year-round, and the fragrance of austerity filled the air.
There, beneath a great tree, seated in deep meditation, were the two eternal sages—Nara and Nārāyaṇa Ṛṣi, who are none other than partial manifestations of the Supreme Lord.
The Meeting of the Lords
As Kalki approached, the two sages opened their eyes and smiled with transcendental joy.
“Welcome, O Supreme Lord,” said Nārāyaṇa Ṛṣi. “Though we are Your expansions, You come to us like a humble seeker. This is the greatness of the Supreme Being—always full of humility.”
Kalki offered full daṇḍavat praṇāma and inquired:
“O Ṛṣis, please instruct me on how best to re-establish dharma and guide the people of Kali-yuga back to the path of devotion.”
Wisdom from the Eternal Ṛṣis
Nara and Nārāyaṇa blessed Kalki and shared eternal truths:
- “Dharma is sustained not only by the sword but by sadācāra (proper conduct).”
- “Teach the people the chanting of the holy name, for in this age, nāma-saṅkīrtana is the only way.”
- “Protect the brāhmaṇas, cows, and women—they are the heart of the world’s purity.”
- “Lead by example. Though You are God, act like a servant. In this, the world will follow You.”
They further revealed the secrets of yuga-dharma, the time-bound duties appropriate for this age, and how to recognize those souls who would be true servants of bhakti even in the darkest era.
Kalki’s Gratitude and Departure
Hearing these instructions, Lord Kalki folded His hands in gratitude.
“By Your mercy, My path is now clear. With this wisdom, I shall not only conquer the wicked but awaken the sleeping souls to love of God.”
The sages embraced Kalki, their hearts swelling with joy to see the Supreme Lord fulfill His final earthly mission.
With their blessings, Kalki descended the Himalayas once again, more powerful—not in weapons, but in spiritual resolve.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Even the Supreme Lord honors the tradition of approaching sages for instruction.
- True power lies not only in destroying evil but in awakening hearts to truth and devotion.
- Spiritual guidance must accompany action. Dharma and bhakti are both essential.
- The holy name is the primary weapon of mercy in Kali-yuga.
Origin of the Story: Kalki Purāṇa – Chapters 13–14, narrating Kalki’s pilgrimage to Badarikāśrama and His divine conversation with Nara-Nārāyaṇa Ṛṣis.
