According to Jainism, time is divided into infinite cycles, each consisting of two halves: Utsarpini (ascending) and Avasarpini (descending). Each half-cycle is further divided into six periods called "aara."

Currently, we are in the fifth aara (Pancham Aara) of the Avasarpini (descending) half-cycle. This period is characterized by increasing sorrow, shorter lifespans, and a decline in spiritual knowledge and practice. According to Jain belief, the fifth aara is ongoing and will be followed by the sixth aara, which will be even more sorrowful and spiritually dark.