The Iconic Verse of the Bhagavad Gita: Krishna’s Most Famous Line

Oct, 13 2025

When you hear about the Bhagavad Gita a 700‑verse Hindu scripture presented as a dialogue between a divine guide and a hesitant warrior, the line that most people recall is the one that begins with “Yadayadā”. In plain English this is often rendered as Bhagavad Gita famous line, a phrase that has echoed through temples, classrooms, and pop culture for centuries.

What the line actually says

The verse in question is Chapter4, Verse7‑8. In the original Sanskrit it reads:

यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति जयः। स्मर्ताम् प्रभुर्वाह्मौगीवः स्मर्तेम्हम् ॥ (यदा यदा) |

Translated literally, it means: “Whenever there is a decline in righteousness (dharma) and an increase in sin, I incarnate myself.” The key phrase “Yadayadā” literally means “whenever, at any time.” This is the part that everyone quotes, often shortened to “Yadayadā …” or simply “Whenever righteousness declines”.

Who’s speaking and why?

The speaker is Krishna the divine charioteer and incarnation of the Supreme Being in the Gita, who reveals himself to Arjuna the Pandava prince torn between duty and doubt on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna is confused about fighting his own relatives, and Krishna explains that the divine will intervene whenever moral order slips. This promise of divine rescue is what makes the line so memorable.

Why it’s considered the most famous line

There are a few reasons this verse outranks every other Gita phrase in popular memory:

• Universal theme: The idea of a higher power stepping in during moral crisis resonates across religions.
• Memorable cadence: “Yadayadā” is rhythmic and easy to chant, which helped it spread through bhajans and mantras.
• Political usage: Leaders have quoted it to justify reform or intervention, from Indian independence speeches to modern NGOs.
• Pop culture: It appears in movies, songs, and even sports team mottos, cementing its place in the public imagination.

Different English translations

Because Sanskrit is rich and ambiguous, translators often choose slightly different words. Below is a quick side‑by‑side look at three well‑known renderings.

How the line is used today

In modern India and among the diaspora, you’ll hear the phrase on temple walls, in meditation apps, and on motivational posters. It’s also a go‑to answer when someone asks, “What does Gita say about injustice?” The line is invoked in:

• Corporate ethics training (as a reminder that higher principles should guide decisions).
• Political rallies (to signal a moral duty to act).
• Personal journals (as a comfort that a larger order watches over us).

Even non‑Hindus sometimes quote it to express hope that good will prevail when things look bleak.

Related iconic verses

While “Yadayadā…” steals the spotlight, a few other Gita verses are also widely quoted:

1. Verse2.47: “You have the right to work, but never to the fruits of work.” - a classic on detachment.
2. Verse18.66: “Abandon all varieties of dharma and surrender unto me alone.” - the ultimate surrender mantra.
3. Verse4.13: “The four varnas were created according to the division of guna and karma.” - often discussed in social‑caste debates.

These verses together illustrate the Gita’s blend of philosophy, duty, and devotion.

Common misunderstandings

People sometimes think the verse promises that a deity will physically intervene in every modern conflict. In context, Krishna is speaking about avatars-divine incarnations that restore balance. The line is metaphorical, encouraging individuals to act morally because a higher order supports righteousness.

Another misconception is that the line endorses “any means” to achieve a moral end. The Gita repeatedly stresses dharma (righteous conduct) as the guiding principle; the verse merely assures that when dharma wanes, divine help becomes available.

Putting the verse into practice

If you’d like to live by this promise, try these simple steps:

1. Identify a situation where ethics feel compromised.
2. Reflect on the Hindu concept of dharma righteous duty or moral law and ask: is your action aligned?
3. Recite “Yadayadā” as a reminder that the universe supports the right path.
4. Take concrete, honest action rather than waiting for a miracle.

Most followers report that simply remembering the verse sharpens their moral compass.