paritrāṇāya sajjānānāṃ vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām / dharmasaṃsthāpānārthāya yuge 'sminn āvirbhāvāmi || 8 ||
“I manifest in every age to protect the righteous, to destroy evil deeds, and to establish dharma.”
Structure
paritrāṇāya saj-jānānāṃ vināśāya ca duṣ-kṛtām dharmasaṃsthāpānārthāya yuge asmin āvirbhāvāmi
ahaṃ (I) yuge (in the age) asmin (this) dharmasaṃsthāpānārthāya (for the establishment of dharma) āvirbhāvāmi (manifest) paritrāṇāya (for the protection) saj-jānānāṃ (of the good people) ca (and) duṣ-kṛtām (of the evil deeds) vināśāya (for the destruction)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| paritrāṇāya | paritrāṇāya | indeclinable | — | for the purpose of protecting |
| saj-jānānāṃ | saj-jānānāṃ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of good people |
| vināśāya | vināśāya | indeclinable | — | for the purpose of destroying |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| duṣ-kṛtām | duṣ-kṛtām | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of the wicked |
| dharmasaṃsthāpānārthāya | dharmasaṃsthāpānārthāya | indeclinable | — | for the purpose of establishing righteousness |
| yuge | yuge | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in this age |
| asmin | asmin | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in this |
| āvirbhāvāmi | āvirbhāvāmi | verb | √bhū · laṭ-present · first | I manifest myself |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as a manifestation of the divine to maintain the cosmic order. He emphasizes that the Lord's incarnation is not limited to a specific form but is a universal principle that upholds dharma. Śaṅkarācārya's non-dual reading of this verse points to the identity of brahman-ātman, where the ultimate reality is beyond human conception. He argues that the protection of the righteous and destruction of evil are not separate actions but an intrinsic aspect of the divine, which is ultimately a projection of the individual self (ātman). This understanding is closely related to his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, where he discusses the relationship between the individual self and the ultimate reality (Brahman). By realizing this identity, one can transcend the cycle of birth and death and attain liberation (mokṣa).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, a prominent Vaiṣṇava philosopher, interprets this verse as a demonstration of the Lord's compassionate nature. He emphasizes that the Lord's incarnation is a deliberate act to protect His devotees and destroy evil. Rāmānujācārya's devotional reading of this verse highlights the personal relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). He argues that the Lord's manifestation is a response to the devotee's cries for help, showcasing His infinite mercy and love. This understanding is central to Rāmānujācārya's concept of 'prapatti' or self-surrender, where the devotee surrenders to the Lord, acknowledging their dependence on Him. By doing so, the devotee can experience the Lord's divine grace and attain liberation. Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to realize the Lord's divine nature.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in modern Vedānta, interprets this verse as a call to action for individuals to embody the divine principles. He emphasizes that the Lord's manifestation is not limited to a specific historical event but is a continuous process that occurs within each individual. Vivekānanda's universal and practical application of this verse encourages individuals to develop their inner strength and character, which is essential for establishing dharma in their lives. He argues that the protection of the righteous and destruction of evil are not external actions but an internal process of self-purification. In his lecture 'The Message of the Upaniṣads,' Vivekānanda highlights the importance of self-realization and the cultivation of virtues such as compassion, courage, and wisdom. By applying these principles, individuals can become instruments of the divine and contribute to the establishment of a more just and harmonious society.