Kalki is regarded as the tenth avatar of Vishnu. His appearance is associated with the end of Kali Yuga, when adharma reaches its extreme. His mission is to overcome unrighteousness and restore dharma. His appearance marks the transition between two cosmic ages, paving the way for Krita Yuga, also known as Satya Yuga.

Devadatta is the traditional name of Kalki's horse. Horse had an important place in Indian traditions, including royal and sacrificial practices. Its speed and strength make it a fitting companion for an avatar whose mission involves confronting adharma. The white horse Devadatta also conveys purity and auspiciousness, reinforcing the association between Kalki's appearance and the restoration of righteousness.

Kalki's sword represents more than a physical weapon. It symbolises the removal of adharma, the protection of righteousness and the restoration of moral order. Its sharpness can also represent discernment, the ability to distinguish right from wrong. The deeper message is that power should be exercised to uphold dharma, rather than to satisfy anger, greed or personal ambition.

The Bhagavata Purana describes Kalki as being born in Shambhala to Vishnuyashas, in a Brahmana family. His birth is associated with a period when unrighteousness has become widespread. The Kalki Purana provides additional details about his family, including his mother's name, Sumati. These details form part of the traditional narrative surrounding Kalki's appearance and mission.

Yuga Sandhi refers to the transition between two yugas. Kalki's appearance is associated with the closing phase of Kali Yuga and the beginning of Krita Yuga, or Satya Yuga. This transition signifies the restoration of dharma after a period characterised by unrighteousness. It marks an important turning point in the cyclical understanding of cosmic time.

The Kalki Purana is an extended narrative devoted to Kalki and his mission. It describes episodes beyond the brief references found in other traditional accounts, including his marriage to Padma of Simhala and his campaigns against adversaries. It also provides additional details about his life and preparation for his role in restoring dharma.

Parashurama is traditionally associated with teaching Kalki when he appears. Parashurama is himself an avatar of Vishnu and is renowned for his martial prowess. His role as Kalki's teacher connects the earlier avatar with the future one, preparing Kalki for the responsibility of confronting adharma. This relationship highlights the importance of guidance, discipline and preparation before undertaking a great mission.

Nandaka is traditionally identified as Vishnu's sword. In symbolism, the sword represents Vidya, or knowledge, while its sheath represents Avidya, or ignorance. Just as a sheath covers a sword, ignorance can obscure a person's understanding of truth. This symbolism encourages people to overcome ignorance through learning, wisdom and discernment. It conveys that restoring dharma involves not only overcoming external wrongdoing but also gaining clarity within oneself.

A king is expected to protect the people and support their welfare and prosperity. The idea of robber kings describes rulers who misuse their authority for personal benefit. Through excessive or unjust taxation, corruption and greed, they exploit the very people they are meant to protect. This highlights the decline of dharma when political power becomes a means of personal enrichment rather than public service.

Kalki's mission represents the restoration of cosmic and moral order when adharma reaches its culmination. His appearance is associated with overcoming unrighteousness and bringing an end to the conditions of Kali Yuga. The purpose is not destruction for its own sake, but renewal through the re-establishment of dharma and the transition to Satya Yuga. Kalki therefore represents the restoration of righteousness and the beginning of a renewed cosmic age.