परित्राणाय साधूनाम् — Word-by-Word Meaning
परित्राणाय साधूनाम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
परित्राणाय
paritrāṇāya
for the deliverance / protection
साधूनां
sādhūnāṃ
of the righteous / virtuous ones
विनाशाय
vināśāya
for the destruction / annihilation
च
cha
and
दुष्कृताम्
duṣkṛtām
of the evil-doers / wicked
धर्म
dharma
righteousness, cosmic order, duty
संस्थापनार्थाय
saṃsthāpanārthāya
for the purpose of firmly re-establishing
सम्भवामि
sambhavāmi
I come into being / I manifest (incarnate)
युगे युगे
yuge yuge
age after age, in every era
Complete Translation
साधु पुरुषों के परित्राण (रक्षा) के लिए, दुष्कर्मियों के विनाश के लिए, और धर्म की पुनः स्थापना के लिए मैं युग-युग में प्रकट होता हूँ।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4 (Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga), verse 8
Author: Spoken by Lord Krishna; part of the Mahabharata (Veda Vyasa)
Period: Classical antiquity (part of the Mahabharata)
In the fourth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna reveals to Arjuna the secret of his repeated incarnations. In verse 4.7 he says that whenever righteousness declines and unrighteousness rises, he manifests himself. In this verse, 4.8, he states the purpose of that descent — to protect the good, destroy the wicked, and re-establish dharma — age after age. Together these verses form the cornerstone of the Hindu understanding of the avatar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does 'Paritranaya Sadhunam' come from?▼
It is verse 4.8 of the Bhagavad Gita, spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna. It immediately follows the famous verse 4.7 ('Yada yada hi dharmasya'), and together the two verses explain when and why God incarnates.
What does this verse mean?▼
Krishna declares that He takes birth in every age (yuge yuge) for three reasons: to protect the virtuous (paritranaya sadhunam), to destroy the wicked (vinashaya cha dushkritam), and to re-establish dharma (dharma-samsthapanarthaya).
How is this verse connected to the Dashavatara?▼
This verse is the philosophical basis of the avatar doctrine. The ten incarnations of Vishnu (Dashavatara) — Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha and Kalki — are understood as fulfillments of this promise to descend whenever dharma declines.
When should it be chanted?▼
It is recited during daily prayer and Gita study, and is especially meaningful on Janmashtami (Krishna's birth) and Ekadashi. Many chant it in difficult times as an affirmation that righteousness will ultimately prevail.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →