Four Legs of Dharma

In Hindu tradition, Dharma is often personified as a Bull (Vrishabha). The "four legs" of this bull represent the foundational virtues that sustain cosmic and social order. As time progresses through the four Yugas (cosmic ages), these legs are metaphorically broken or lost due to the rise of negative traits in humanity.
In the Srimad Bhagavatam, there is a famous story where King Parikshit encounters a dark figure (the personification of the age of Kali) beating a bull that has only one leg left. The King protects the bull, realizing that while the age of darkness has begun, the duty of a righteous leader is to protect the remaining "leg" of truth at all costs.
In Hindu philosophy, the four Yugas are characterized by a gradual "deterioration" of physical, mental, and spiritual capabilities. As the "legs of Dharma" are lost, the tools and lifestyles available to humans change to reflect their decreasing capacity.

The Four Legs of Dharma
Each leg represents a specific moral pillar that humans must uphold to maintain a righteous society.

1. Austerity (Tapas) - Self-discipline, simplicity, and spiritual penance. Austerity destroys Pride (Ahankara).
2. Purity (Shaucha) - Cleanliness of body, mind, and intent. Purity destroys Lust / Obsession (Kama).
3. Compassion (Daya) - Mercy and kindness toward all living beings. Compassion destroys Intoxication/Arrogance (Mada).
4. Truthfulness (Satya) - Honesty and living in alignment with reality. Truthfulness destroys Deceit/Falsehood (Asatya).

 
The Decline Across the Yugas
The loss of these legs explains why the world becomes increasingly chaotic and difficult as cycles move forward.
1.     Satya Yuga (Golden Age): The Bull stands on all 4 legs. Humanity is naturally virtuous, truthful, and spiritually inclined.
Lifestyle: There were no wars, diseases, or mental suffering. People were "self-satisfied" and lived in total harmony with nature. There were no cities or social hierarchies; everyone was naturally enlightened.
Available Spiritual Practice: Dhyana (Meditation). Because minds were pure and lives were long, people could meditate for thousands of years to attain God-realization.
2.     Treta Yuga (Silver Age): The Bull stands on 3 legs. The leg of Austerity (Tapas) is lost. People begin to act out of personal desire, requiring formal rituals and sacrifices to maintain connection with the divine. This is the era of Lord Rama.
Lifestyle: Agricultural labor and social structures (kings, subjects) began. For the first time, human "desire" and "ego" appeared. Houses were built because weather became variable (seasons started).
Available Spiritual Practice: Yajna (Fire Sacrifices). As mental focus declined, elaborate rituals and sacrifices were introduced to help humans connect with the divine.
3.     Dvapara Yuga (Bronze Age): The Bull stands on 2 legs. The leg of Purity (Shaucha) is lost. Values become complex and "grey," as seen in the Mahabharata. This is the era of Lord Krishna.
Lifestyle: Society became complex. Diseases and major conflicts (like the Mahabharata) emerged. People became interested in wealth and trade. This is the era where the Vedas were divided into four parts by Vyasadeva because human memory was weakening.
Available Spiritual Practice: Archana (Deity Worship). Because people could no longer perform perfect sacrifices or meditate for ages, temple worship and serving the physical form of God became the primary path.
4.     Kali Yuga (Iron Age): The Bull stands on only 1 leg—Truthfulness (Satya). Even this last leg is currently under attack by deceit and hypocrisy.
Lifestyle: Characterized by hypocrisy, greed, and short tempers. Truth is hidden, and materialism is the main goal. People are physically and mentally weak compared to previous ages.
Available Spiritual Practice: Nama-Sankirtana (Chanting). In this age, humans lack the lifespan for long meditation, the wealth for grand sacrifices, and the purity for perfect temple worship. Therefore, the simplest path—chanting the names of God—is the only "available" effective practice (Kalauma kirtan).
The Significance of the Last Leg
The reason Truth (Satya) is the last leg is that it is considered the most fundamental. Ancient texts suggest that even if a person lacks austerity or purity, as long as they remain strictly truthful, they can still find a path to salvation.