Kali Yuga, also known as the Iron Age, is the current cosmic age in the Hindu cycle of time. It is believed to be a period of moral and spiritual decline compared to the previous ages. Kali Yuga is characterized by a significant decrease in righteousness, a rise in materialistic pursuits, and a prevalence of conflict and suffering.

According to Hindu mythology, Kali Yuga began after the conclusion of the great epic Mahabharata, which took place during Dvapara Yuga. It is believed that Kali Yuga started around 5,000 years ago. In this age, humanity is said to be far removed from divine virtues and the spiritual path.

Kali Yuga is described as an age of darkness, where greed, deceit, violence, and immorality are prevalent. It is believed to be the most challenging and spiritually turbulent of the four Yugas. However, it is also considered an age of opportunity, as individuals have the chance to overcome these challenges and pursue spiritual growth amidst the prevailing negativity.

The duration of Kali Yuga is believed to be 432,000 years, which is one-fourth the length of Dvapara Yuga. As Kali Yuga progresses, it is believed that the decline in morality and spiritual awareness will reach its lowest point before the cycle of ages begins again with the advent of a new Satyuga.

It's important to understand that the Yugas are primarily religious and mythological concepts within Hinduism. While they offer a framework for understanding the cyclical nature of time and the challenges of different ages, they are not meant to be taken as literal historical or scientific time periods.