Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.8
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् । धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ॥८॥
paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṃ vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām | dharmasaṃsthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yuge yuge ||8||
Complete Shloka Translation
For the protection of the good, the destruction of wrongdoers, and the establishment of dharma, I manifest age after age.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| परित्राणाय | paritrāṇāya | for the supreme protection / deliverance |
| साधूनाम् | sādhūnām | of the saintly / virtuous souls |
| विनाशाय च | vināśāya ca | and for the utter destruction |
| दुष्कृताम् | duṣkṛtām | of the evil-doers / wicked agents |
| धर्म-संस्थापन-अर्थाय | dharma-saṃsthāpana-arthāya | for the purpose of firmly re-establishing righteousness |
| संभवामि | saṃbhavāmi | I manifest / take divine birth |
| युगे युगे | yuge yuge | in epoch after epoch / age after age |
for the supreme protection / deliverance
of the saintly / virtuous souls
and for the utter destruction
of the evil-doers / wicked agents
for the purpose of firmly re-establishing righteousness
I manifest / take divine birth
in epoch after epoch / age after age
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The purposes of divine manifestation complete 4.7. This declaration describes Krishna's role; it does not authorize private vengeance in the name of dharma.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Restoring justice includes protecting those who are vulnerable."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How can you protect someone vulnerable without acting from anger?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to kindle the fire of higher purpose in your work: burn away the anxiety of personal ego and petty doubts with the purifying flame of deep understanding, dedication, and service.