Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya (Bhagavad Gita 4.7-8) — Word-by-Word Meaning
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिः
Yada yada hi dharmasya glanih
Whenever there is a decline of dharma (righteousness)
अभ्युत्थानम् अधर्मस्य
Abhyutthanam adharmasya
And a rise of adharma (unrighteousness)
तदा आत्मानं सृजामि अहम्
Tada atmanam srijami aham
Then I manifest (create) myself
परित्राणाय साधूनाम्
Paritranaya sadhunam
For the protection of the good (sadhus)
सम्भवामि युगे युगे
Sambhavami yuge yuge
I am born in age after age (yuga after yuga)
Complete Translation
Whenever there is a decline of dharma (righteousness), O Bharata, and a rise of adharma (unrighteousness), then I manifest myself.
For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked, and for the establishment of dharma, I am born in age after age.
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4, Verses 7-8
Author: Veda Vyasa (Lord Krishna's teaching)
Period: Itihasa (Mahabharata)
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna reveals to Arjuna the secret of his birth: that the Supreme, though unborn and eternal, takes form age after age whenever dharma declines and adharma rises — to protect the good, destroy the wicked, and re-establish righteousness. These two verses are the classic scriptural statement of the doctrine of the avatar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya?▼
From Bhagavad Gita 4.7-8, it means: 'Whenever righteousness (dharma) declines and unrighteousness rises, O Bharata, then I manifest myself. For the protection of the good, the destruction of the wicked and the establishment of dharma, I am born in age after age.' It is Krishna's promise of the divine avatar.
Which chapter and verse is Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya?▼
It is verses 7 and 8 of Chapter 4 (Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita, spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna, explaining why and when the Divine takes birth in the world.
What does 'Sambhavami Yuge Yuge' mean?▼
'Sambhavami Yuge Yuge' means 'I am born in age after age' (yuga after yuga). It is the Lord's assurance that whenever dharma declines, he incarnates again — as Rama, Krishna and the other avatars — to restore righteousness. It is among the most beloved phrases of the Gita.
When is Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya recited?▼
It is recited daily by devotees of Krishna and during study of the Bhagavad Gita, and especially on Janmashtami and Ram Navami, the appearance days of the avatars, as a celebration of the Lord's descent to protect dharma.
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