Shloka 98
Dāna as Prāyaścitta; Deathbed Gifts; Antyeṣṭi Procedures; Nārāyaṇa-bali for Untimely Deaths
आर्तार्ते मुदिते हृष्टा प्रोषिते मलिना कृशा / मृते म्रियेत या पत्यौ सा स्त्री ज्ञेया पतिव्रता
ārtārte mudite hṛṣṭā proṣite malinā kṛśā / mṛte mriyeta yā patyau sā strī jñeyā pativratā
She who is distressed when her husband is distressed, joyful when he is joyful, radiant when he is pleased; who becomes unadorned and thin when he is away; and who would even die when her husband dies—such a woman is to be known as a pativratā, devoted to her husband.
Lord Vishnu (teaching Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Pativratā-lakṣaṇa: the devoted wife shares the husband’s joys and sorrows, practices austerity in separation, and is portrayed as utterly life-aligned with him.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma as niyama shaping mind and conduct; idealized relational identity within saṃsāra (vyavahāra).
Application: Cultivate empathy and shared responsibility in marriage; interpret ‘die when he dies’ as unwavering commitment and care rather than self-harm; practice dignified restraint during separation or hardship.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shringara
Type: gṛha (implied)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.4.97 (lineage purification via offerings); Garuda Purana 2.4.99-100 (prohibitions/conditions regarding ascending pyre; contextual tension with extreme vow language)
FAQs
This verse defines pativratā as deep marital fidelity expressed through shared joy and sorrow, and steadfastness during separation and bereavement—presented as an ethical ideal within householders’ dharma.
In the Preta Kanda’s broader context of death and post-death concerns, it highlights the intensity of spousal bond and the expected emotional and moral conduct surrounding illness, absence, and death.
Practice empathetic partnership—share responsibilities in hardship, celebrate each other’s well-being, remain faithful during distance, and uphold dignity and compassion during periods of loss.