The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It is a sacred text of the Hindu religion and contains profound teachings on life, duty, and spirituality. Among the verses in the Gita, there is one particular shloka (verse) that has the power to captivate and inspire the minds of its readers.
The Shloka:
“Yada yada hi dharmasya glanirbhavati Bharata,
Abhyutthanamadharmasya tadatmanam srijamyaham.
Paritranaya sadhunang vinashay cha dushkritam,
Dharma-samsthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge.”
Translation:
“Whenever and wherever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest Myself on earth. To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of righteousness, I appear, millennium after millennium.”
This powerful verse is spoken by Lord Krishna, who is considered the Supreme Personality of Godhead in Hinduism. In this shloka, Lord Krishna explains that whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, he manifests himself on earth to restore balance and uphold righteousness.
The verse holds deep philosophical and spiritual significance. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. It reassures us that good will ultimately triumph over evil. Lord Krishna’s words convey the message that he will always be there to protect the righteous and punish the wrongdoers.
The shloka also emphasizes the importance of dharma, which can be translated as righteousness or duty. Lord Krishna states that he appears on earth to reestablish the principles of dharma. This serves as a reminder for individuals to always uphold moral and ethical values in their actions and decisions.
Furthermore, the verse highlights the eternal nature of Lord Krishna’s presence. He states that he appears “yuge yuge,” which means millennium after millennium. This conveys the idea that his divine intervention is not limited to a particular time or place but is a continuous process throughout history.
Many scholars and spiritual seekers find great inspiration in this shloka. It serves as a guiding light during times of moral confusion and spiritual turmoil. The verse reminds us of the importance of staying true to our values and standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
Moreover, the shloka encourages us to have faith in a higher power that governs the universe. It instills a sense of trust and surrender, knowing that there is a divine force working behind the scenes to restore balance and justice.
In conclusion, the Bhagavad Gita is a treasure trove of wisdom, and the shloka mentioned above is just one example of its profound teachings. It reminds us of the eternal presence of a higher power and the importance of righteousness in our lives. By reflecting on these words, we can find solace, inspiration, and guidance in our journey towards self-realization and spiritual growth.
