Shloka 17
Puṁsavana / Viṣṇu-vrata: Worship of Lakṣmī-Nārāyaṇa for Auspicious Progeny and Fortune
पतिं च परया भक्त्या महापुरुषचेतसा । प्रियैस्तैस्तैरुपनमेत् प्रेमशील: स्वयं पति: । बिभृयात् सर्वकर्माणि पत्न्या उच्चावचानि च ॥ १७ ॥
patiṁ ca parayā bhaktyā mahāpuruṣa-cetasā priyais tais tair upanamet prema-śīlaḥ svayaṁ patiḥ bibhṛyāt sarva-karmāṇi patnyā uccāvacāni ca
Tenant son époux pour le représentant de la Personne Suprême, l’épouse doit l’honorer avec une bhakti sans mélange, en lui offrant le prasāda. L’époux, réjoui par l’amour de sa femme, doit assumer lui-même les affaires du foyer, grandes et petites.
The family relationship of husband and wife should be established spiritually according to the process mentioned above.
FAQs
This verse teaches mutual devotion-centered respect: the wife honors her husband with loving offerings while keeping her mind on the Supreme Lord, and the husband affectionately supports her in all responsibilities, big and small.
In Canto 6, Śukadeva explains dharma and vows like the Pumsavana observance, showing that bhakti is practiced not only in renunciation but also through purified conduct and mutual care within family life.
Keep spiritual focus (remembrance of the Lord) while practicing practical kindness: express respect and appreciation, and actively support each other’s daily responsibilities so the home becomes favorable for devotion.