Kalki in Mythology: The final Avatar of Vishnu, Destroyer of chaos and Preserver of Righteousness

Kalki 2898 AD:  The most anticipated movie of Prabhas this year ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is edging closer to its release date. The movie has impressed the anticipators with its intriguing promos and posters building their enthusiasm. Based on Hindu mythology, deriving its name from the Legend of Kalki mentioned in the Vedas, the film has also raised the curiosity of many. Who is Kalki, how is he relevant today, when and where did the myth begin and more such questions are bugging many cinephiles and people with interests too. So, who is Kalki?    

Who is Kalki?

Lord Vishnu is said to take an avatar every time Adharam prevails on Earth to restore Dharma by executing evil and establishing an age of moral righteousness. 

According to the Vedas, Kalki is the tenth and final avatar of Lord Vishnu, prophesied to take form in the Kali Yuga, i.e., the present age we live in. His purpose in reincarnating on earth is to end the Kali Yuga, an age where sin and darkness are at their peak, hence ushering in a new epoch of Satya Yuga in the cycle of existence.   

Is Kalki here? 

The final avatar of Lord Vishnu is yet to appear on earth. It is predicted that when virtue and dharma are eradicated from the present age and the world will be engulfed in darkness, prevailed by evil and sin, then Kalki will descend from the world during the Baisakha Month on the 12th day of the full moon according to popular belief.    

He is believed to have been born to Visnu Yasa and Sumati and will marry Padma. 

Kalki Avatar’s Identifier and its Symbolism 

Kalki avatar is believed to descend with a few characteristic identifiers. He will be accompanied by a white horse, and a naked blazing sword to quell the evil. The white horse symbolizes the purity he will reinstate, with the fiery sword signifying divine knowledge and power to see through the dark forces.   

Kalki Avatar Beyond Hinduism 

Kalki Avatar is a significant concept in Hindu mythology along with Buddhist, and Sikh texts as well. The imagery of a preserver transcends religious bonds. He is a symbol of renewal, transformation, and hope when everything is submerged in darkness, and disharmony.  

Garuda Purana mentions ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu from Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narashima, Vamana, Parashurama, Ram, Krishna, Buddha, and the tenth being Kalki.