The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action

Krishna reveals the purpose behind divine appearance. He manifests (sṛjāmi ātmānam) not randomly, but when two conditions meet: 'glāniḥ dharmasya' (decline of righteousness) and 'abhyutthānam adharmasya' (rise of unrighteousness). This is the answer to 'Why now? Why here?' The timing isn't arbitrary—it's purposeful. When righteousness weakens and unrighteousness grows, divine intervention appears to restore balance. This connects back to verse 4.2 (yoga was lost) and forward to verse 4.8 (purpose of restoration). The word 'yadā yadā' (whenever) shows this is a pattern, not a one-time event. Throughout history, whenever the balance tilts too far, restoration appears.