Chapter 4, Verse 7
Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga — Sanskrit shloka, transliteration, word meanings, English translation, and commentary.
Original Sanskrit verse
Transliteration
Word meanings
yadā yadā—whenever; hi—certainly; dharmasya—of righteousness; glāniḥ—decline; bhavati—is; bhārata—Arjun, descendant of Bharat; abhyutthānam—increase; adharmasya—of unrighteousness; tadā—at that time; ātmānam—self; sṛijāmi—manifest; aham—I
English translation
Whenever there is a decline of righteousness and an increase of unrighteousness, O Arjuna, then I manifest Myself.
— Swami Sivananda
Listen to Shloka 4.7
Commentary
Dharma is that which sustains and holds together. There is no proper eivalen for this term in the English language. That which helps a man to attain to Moksha or salvation is Dharma. That which makes a man irreligious or unrighteous is Adharma. That which elevates a man and helps him reach the goal of life and attain knowledge is Dharma that which drags him and hurls him down in the abyss of worldliness and ignorance is Adharma.
Commentary by Swami Sivananda
Simple Meaning
Whenever there is a decline of righteousness (Dharma) and a rise of unrighteousness (Adharma), O Arjuna, I manifest Myself.
Context & Background
Krishna reveals the divine secret of Avatarhood — why and when the Supreme Being manifests in the world.
Key Philosophical Teaching
The cosmic order is self-correcting. Divine guidance enters human history whenever moral and spiritual truth is endangered.
Practical Application
Have faith that goodness and truth ultimately prevail over chaos and moral confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Krishna incarnate according to BG 4.7?
Krishna manifests whenever righteousness declines and unrighteousness prevails to restore cosmic harmony and ethical balance.
Related Verses
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