Shloka 10
Nīti on Friendship (Mitra), Discretion, Restraint, Health-Regimens, Prosperity (Śrī), and Family Dharma
एक वै सेवते नित्यमन्यश्चेतपि रोचते / पुरुषाणामलाभेन नारी चैव पतिव्रता
eka vai sevate nityamanyaścetapi rocate / puruṣāṇāmalābhena nārī caiva pativratā
Seorang wanita melayani suaminya setiap masa, sedangkan yang lain mungkin cenderung kepada yang lain; namun apabila lelaki tidak diperoleh, wanita itu tetap dianggap pativratā—isteri yang setia kepada suami.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra, in the Garuda Purana dialogue frame)
Concept: Social labels (pativratā) may be assigned by circumstance rather than inner intention; dharma discourse can reflect pragmatic social judgments.
Vedantic Theme: Distinction between inner saṅkalpa (intention) and outer karma (action); the world judges by vyavahāra, not paramārtha.
Application: Cultivate integrity where intention and action align; avoid judging others’ virtue solely by outward circumstance.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.114.9-13 (cluster on women, courtesans, and dangers)
FAQs
This verse frames pativrata as a status tied to conduct and circumstance, emphasizing household dharma and restraint rather than merely desire or attraction.
Indirectly, it points to dharmic self-control in worldly life—ethical restraint is treated in the Purana as shaping karma, which in turn influences post-death outcomes.
Cultivate fidelity and self-discipline in relationships; do not justify unethical choices by desire—align conduct with dharma even when tempted.