Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 18
Puṁsavana / Viṣṇu-vrata: Worship of Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa for Auspicious Progeny and Fortune
कृतमेकतरेणापि दम्पत्योरुभयोरपि । पत्न्यां कुर्यादनर्हायां पतिरेतत् समाहित: ॥ १८ ॥
kṛtam ekatareṇāpi dam-patyor ubhayor api patnyāṁ kuryād anarhāyāṁ patir etat samāhitaḥ
Between the husband and wife, one person is sufficient to execute this devotional service. Because of their good relationship, both of them will enjoy the result. Therefore if the wife is unable to execute this process, the husband should carefully do so, and the faithful wife will share the result.
The relationship between husband and wife is firmly established when the wife is faithful and the husband sincere. Then even if the wife, being weaker, is unable to execute devotional service with her husband, if she is chaste and sincere she shares half of her husband’s activities.
FAQs
This verse states that if either the husband or wife performs the observance, it is accepted as performed by both; and if the wife is unable or unqualified, the husband may perform it on her behalf with focused attention.
In the context of household dharma and sacred observances like the Pūṁsavana-vrata, Śukadeva explains practical rules so the spiritual purpose of the vow is not obstructed by eligibility or inability, while preserving the unity of the married couple’s religious life.
When one partner cannot maintain a spiritual practice due to health, time, or capacity, the other can carry it steadily and prayerfully for the family’s shared spiritual benefit—without resentment, and with sincerity.