The Meaning and Significance of the Ancient Sanskrit Quote from the Bhagavad Gita

A simple Google search reveals that the quote in question, “Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya Glanir Bhavati Bharata Abhyuthanam Adharmasya Tadaatmaanam Srijaamyaham,” originates from the Bhagavad Gita. This ancient text, a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, conveys profound philosophical and spiritual truths. It states: “Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness O Arjuna, at that time I manifest Myself on earth.”

Analysis of the Shloka

The shloka is a profound statement about the relationship between righteousness (dharma) and unrighteousness (adharma) and the divine intervention they inspire. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this shloka:

Breaking Down the Shloka

“Yadaa Yadaa hi Dharmasya glanir bhavati bhaarata
Abhyutthaanam adharmasya Tadaatmaanam srjamy aham”

Sandhi rules, a form of Sanskrit grammar, allow us to break down the words for better understanding. Here is the restructured and simplified version:

“Yadaa Yadaa hi Dharmasya glanir bhavati Bhaarata
Abhyutthaanam adharmasya Tadaa aatmaanam srjamy aham”

Given the poetic meter, we can rearrange the sentence to fit the Anushtup pattern as follows:

“Bhaarata Yadaa Yadaa we can drop the hi it is a placeholder
Dharmasya glanir Adharmasya
Abhyutthaanam bhavati
Tadaa aham aatmaanam srjamy”

Word-by-Word Analysis

Breaking down the words, we get:

Bhaarata: O Arjuna descendant of Bharata Yadaa Yadaa: Whenever Dharmasya glanir: The recession of Dharma Adharmasya abhyutthaanam: The ascension of Adharma Bhavati: Happens Tadaa: Then Aham: I Srjamy aatmaanam: I create myself

Translated, this translates to: “O Arjuna, whenever the recession of Dharma and the ascension of Adharma happens, then I create myself.” This can be better understood as “I take up an avatara or I descend upon the earth”.

Implications and Interpretations

According to the scriptures, the meaning of this quote is that whenever righteousness declines and unrighteousness prevails, a leader or divine figure will emerge to restore balance. This is not limited to the historical figure, Krishna, but refers more broadly to the concept of divine intervention through various leaders or figures who will reestablish dharma (righteousness).

Sanatan Dharma, the eternal religion, is not a messianic cult that waits for a single savior. Instead, it teaches that each era will have its own righteous leaders who will guide people and uphold moral and ethical standards. This is a recurring theme in Hindu philosophy, where different avatars (such as Rama and Krishna) have appeared to uphold righteousness and vanquish evil.

Thus, the Bhagavad Gita teaches us about the cyclical nature of dharma and adharma and the divine responsibility to maintain balance in society.