4.7 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 4, Verse 7

In Bhagavad Gita verse 4.7, Lord Krishna reveals the divine purpose behind His manifestations in the material world. The Sanskrit verse "yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānir bhavati bhārata, abhyutthānam adharmasya tadātmānaṁ sṛjāmy aham" carries profound significance. Krishna explains to Arjuna that whenever and wherever righteousness (dharma) declines and unrighteousness (adharma) rises, He manifests Himself on earth.

It's important to understand that Krishna doesn't "take birth" in the conventional sense. In the previous verse, He established that He appears rather than being born, similar to how the sun rises and sets but continues to exist even when not visible to us. The Sanskrit word "sṛjāmi" used here signifies that He manifests Himself by His own divine will. This manifestation isn't bound by time or place—it occurs whenever and wherever the balance between righteousness and unrighteousness is severely disrupted.

The concept of "dharma glanih" (decline in righteousness) refers to situations when humanity loses sight of core virtues like compassion, forgiveness, kindness, and tolerance. When people become primarily materialistic, disregarding spiritual values, when selfishness and exploitation become the norm, and when the distinction between right and wrong becomes blurred—these are the conditions that prompt divine intervention. Krishna's descension, known as an Avatar, is not limited to Indian soil but can happen anywhere according to the specific needs of time, place, and circumstances.

The nature of Krishna's manifestation varies based on the spiritual evolution of the audience He intends to guide. Just as a teacher adjusts their instruction based on students' comprehension levels, Krishna provides spiritual guidance appropriate to people's understanding. On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna was spiritually evolved, allowing Krishna to impart the highest Vedic wisdom to him. The divine manifestation may take various forms—Krishna Himself, His authorized representatives, or empowered individuals who carry His message.

This verse offers profound reassurance that divine intervention occurs precisely when it seems most needed—when darkness prevails and hope appears distant. Krishna's promise to appear during times of spiritual and moral decline reminds us that divine guidance is available when righteousness is threatened. The divine descension isn't merely to eliminate evil forces but primarily to reestablish dharma and provide spiritual direction when humanity seems lost.

The battlefield of Kurukshetra serves as both a literal setting and a metaphor for the struggle between righteousness and unrighteousness that occurs externally in society and internally within each person. When internal confusion reigns and clarity seems distant, Krishna's teachings offer illumination. His manifestation isn't restricted to physical form—it can occur through His teachings, remembrance, or through chanting His names.

This verse ultimately conveys hope—even in the darkest times, when ethical principles are compromised and moral values seem forgotten, divine intervention remains accessible. Many spiritual traditions echo this promise of divine presence during challenging periods. The cycle of righteousness declining and being reestablished continues throughout history, with divine intervention ensuring that dharma is preserved and humanity is guided back to its spiritual essence. Krishna's promise to manifest whenever dharma declines serves as eternal reassurance that spiritual guidance is always available to those who seek it.