Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 7

English Translation

Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest myself.

Detailed Commentary

।।4.7।। Explanation -- 'Yadā yadā hi dharmasya...abhyutthānamadharmasya' - when there is a decline of Dharma and a rise of Adharma. Sinful and wicked people begin to persecute the devotees, the righteous, the virtuous, the innocent, and the weak. In society, good qualities diminish, and evil qualities proliferate. 'Yadā yadā' implies that whenever the need arises, Bhagavān takes Avatār. Even within a single Yuga, He may descend multiple times if necessary. For instance, during the Samudra-Manthana (churning of the ocean), Bhagavān appeared as Ajita (unconquered) to provide support, took the form of Kurma (tortoise), and then Mohinī to distribute Amrita (nectar) to the Devas. Bhagavān can assume many forms. The rise of Adharma and the decline of Dharma occur due to attraction to perishable things. Just as the body is formed from parents, creation (Srishti) is formed from Prakriti and Paramātmā. The world of Prakriti is constantly changing. Paramātmā and Jīvātmā are eternal. When the Jīva (individual soul) seeks happiness from transient objects, its downfall occurs. As attachment to enjoyment (Bhoga) and accumulation (Sangraha) increases, so do Adharma and sin. In Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga, Dharma gradually declines. When the decline of Dharma intensifies, Bhagavān takes Avatār. 'Tadātmānam Srijāmyaham' - whenever there is a decline of Dharma and a rise of Adharma, Bhagavān descends. Therefore, His main purpose is the establishment of Dharma and the destruction of Adharma. The decline of Dharma is the emergence of *sakāma bhāva* (desire-driven action) in deeds, and forbidden conduct is the increase of Adharma. From *Kāma* (desire) alone arise sin and injustice (Gītā 3.37). Bhagavān takes Avatār to destroy *Kāma* and expand *nishkāma bhāva* (desireless action). A question might arise: if Dharma is declining in the present era, why does Bhagavān not take Avatār? The resolution is that such a time as in Treta Yuga has not yet arrived. By Bhagavān's command, Saints and Sadhakas manifest and establish Dharma. When people do not heed Sadhakas and Saints, and the promulgators of Dharma become few, then Bhagavān Himself comes. Connection -- Having described the occasion of Avatār in the previous verse, Bhagavān now states the purpose of His Avatār.