परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्। धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय संभवामि युगे युगे।।4.8।।
paritrāṇāya sādhu-nāṁ vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yuge yuge
Translation
To protect the righteous, to annihilate the wicked, and to reestablish the principles of dharma I appear on this earth, age after age.
Word Meanings
paritrāṇāya — for the deliverance; sādhu-nāṁ — of the devotees; vināśāya — for the annihilation; ca — and; duṣkṛtām — of the miscreants; dharma — principles of religion; saṁsthāpanārthāya — to reestablish; sambhavāmi — I do appear; yuge — millennium; yuge — after millennium.
Understanding the Verse
In this verse, Krishna reveals the divine purpose behind His periodic incarnations. The term paritrāṇāya conveys the notion of rescue or deliverance, emphasizing that the Almighty comes not merely as a spectator but as an active savior for those who uphold righteousness. The phrase sādhu-nāṁ identifies the beneficiaries as the sadhus, the spiritually inclined and morally upright individuals who seek truth and practice dharma. Together, these words highlight the compassionate aspect of the divine, assuring devotees that divine intervention is assured when virtue calls for it.
The second clause, vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām, balances the first by stating that the same divine force also works to eradicate evil. Duṣkṛtām refers to actions rooted in ignorance, selfish desire, and adharma (unrighteousness). The inclusion of ca (and) underscores the dual responsibility of the divine: nurturing the good while eliminating the harmful. This duality reflects the cosmic law of balance, where good and evil are not left unattended but are continuously regulated by the Supreme.
The third segment, dharmasaṁsthāpanārthāya, expands the mission beyond immediate rescue and destruction. Dharma in the Bhagavad Gita is a comprehensive term encompassing duty, order, righteousness, and the underlying moral fabric of the universe. By stating saṁsthāpanārthāya, Krishna affirms that His incarnations also serve to re‑establish this cosmic order whenever it is threatened or eroded. This re‑establishment ensures the sustainability of a harmonious world where dharma can thrive.
Finally, the concluding phrase sambhavāmi yuge yuge encapsulates the timeless nature of this divine promise. Yuge yuge literally means “in every age” or “from one epoch to the next.” It conveys that the appearance of the divine is not a one‑time event but a perpetual cycle, responding to the changing circumstances of human history. Whether in the age of the Vedas, the era of the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, or any future age, the Supreme manifests to guide humanity. This recurring appearance underscores the principle of avatar – the descent of the divine into the material world for a specific purpose.
Philosophically, this verse teaches that the universe operates under a divine governance that safeguards righteousness, eliminates adharma, and continuously renews the moral order. It reassures seekers that divine support is not abstract but concrete, manifesting whenever the conditions of the world demand it. Moreover, the verse invites contemplation on personal responsibility: while the divine assists the righteous, individuals must still cultivate virtue to become part of the ‘sādhu’ collective deserving of protection.
In the broader context of Chapter 4, where Krishna explains the concept of divine knowledge and the lineage of spiritual teachers, this verse serves as a cornerstone. It legitimizes the divine mission of the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings, positioning them as timeless remedies for the moral dilemmas faced by humanity. Thus, the verse functions both as a promise and a call to action: to align oneself with dharma, to support the annihilation of evil, and to recognize the ever‑present possibility of divine intervention across ages.
