Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 4.8

Shloka 4.8

“To protect the righteous, destroy the wicked, and establish dharma, I appear age after age.”

Key Teaching: Krishna appears to protect the righteous, destroy evil, and establish dharma.

Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Jnana Yoga.

Description:
Krishna explains that he appears age after age to protect the righteous, destroy the wicked, and establish dharma, elaborating on 4.7. This verse addresses Arjuna’s doubts (4.4). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he upholds cosmic order, and Jnana Yoga, as he clarifies his divine mission, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana’s wickedness (1.3–11) necessitates Krishna’s intervention. Krishna’s teaching urges Arjuna to fight as a Kshatriya to support this divine mission, aligning with Karma and Jnana Yoga (2.47), protecting dharma against adharma.

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human need for divine justice, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on his eternal role. Arjuna’s hesitation (2.9) complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to align with divine purpose. The theme of Jnana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on divine action for righteousness.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its divine authority. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s moral battles, where divine action restores balance. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with divine alignment, upholding dharma.