According to Bhavishya Malika, authored by the Panch Sakhas, there will be three incarnations of God in Kali Yuga. Sage Achyutanand, in his book ‘Jaii Phool Malika’, wrote-
“कलि रे तीनि जन्म, हेबे परा प्रभु श्री नारायण,
जाई फूल लो, जाई फूल लो, से तो भक्त जिब जीबन जाई फूल लो”
Meaning – The Supreme Lord Narayana (lifeforce of devotees), will incarnate thrice, during the Kali Yuga.
First Incarnation of Kali Yuga – Lord Buddha
Shri Jaidev Goswami (an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna and a 12th century Sanskrit poet) in his famous poetic verses ‘Dashavtar Stotram’, writes the following verse for Lord Buddha, the first incarnation of Kali Yuga
“निन्दसि यज्ञविधेरहहश्रुतिजातं,
सदयहृदय दर्शितपशुघातम् ।
केशव धृत बुद्ध शरीर, जय जगदीश हरे ।”
Meaning: In the middle age of Kali Yuga, when animal sacrifice in Yagnas were being practiced widely. Ritualistic animal killings with Mantra and Tantra were at its peak. The principles of Sanatana Dharma (universal law) had almost become extinct. At that time, an essence of infinte God took human birth as Lord Buddha and re-established the portents of Sanatan Dharma and opposed animal sacrifice/killing.
“ततः कलौ सम्प्रवृत्ते सम्मोहाय सुरद्विषाम्।
बुद्धो नाम्नाजनसुतः कीकटेषु भविष्यति” ।
Meaning – When the King and the common man, will become unlawful & unjust and will indulge in killing of living beings. At that time, God (supreme being) will incarnate as Lord Buddha, in the region of Keekat to establish the Universal Principles -Sanatana Dharma.
Second Incarnation of Kaliyuga – Lord Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
Shri Chaitanya, the second incarnation of Kali Yuga, was born in a village called ‘Nadiya Navdwip’. He preached and gave to the world the MahaMantra of Lord Vishnu. He taught non-violence, opposed the killing of animals, and revived Vaishnav Dharma.
“कृष्णार प्रघता त्रिगुट प्रकार,
शास्त्रर श्रीमूर्ति आर भक्त कालेबर।”
Meaning: Lord Chaitanya, exhibited and taught an exalted independent path of Love & Devotion, to attain God. He exhibited and popularized the importance of chanting of God’s name (Naam Sankirtan) and the virtues of non-violence. His teachings of idol worship and reading of Shrimad Bhagwad, are the essence of Devotion (bhakti).
Third incarnation of Kali Yuga – Lord Kalki
It is mentioned in ‘Bhavishya Malika’ and other scriptures that “after passage of 5000 years of Kali Yuga, ie. at the end of Kali Yuga, Lord Kalki will incarnate on earth”. Right now, we are into 5125th year of Kali Yuga. Kali Yuga has ended, and we are in the Sangam Yug (or the Yug-Sandhi).
“अथसु जुगसंध्यांसे दस्यु प्रयासेषु राजसु।
जनिता विष्णु यशो नमना कल्कि जगतपति”।
Meaning: During the time of Yug-Sandhi after Kali Yuga, Lord Kalki will will be born as the son of a Vaishnava Brahmin, who would be singing praises of Lord Vishnu.
“संबल ग्राम मुख्यस्य ब्राह्मन्यस्य महात्मन ।
भबने विष्णु जशश्य कल्कि प्रादुर्भाबिश्यती ।।”
Meaning: Lord Kalki will take human birth in home of such a prominent Brahmin of Sambal village, who in devotion would be singing glories/praises of Lord Vishnu, every day.
“Jai Jagannath”