Divine Descent and the Four World-Ages in the Mahābhārata – or, Why Does the Kṛṣṇa Avatāra Inaugurate the Worst Yuga?

Abstract

In the theology of the Sanskrit Mahābhārata, divine descent is said to improve the world. But the Mahābhārata war, which Viṣṇu descended to effect, moved the world into its most dismal age. This monograph discusses that paradox, focusing on the roles of the suffering Earth and the ancient audiences.