Shloka 18
Nītisāra: Virtuous Association, Household Dharma, and Kāla (Time) as the Supreme Regulator
सा भार्या या गृहे दक्षा सा भार्याया प्रियंवदा / सा भार्या या पतिप्राणा सा भार्या या पतिव्रता
sā bhāryā yā gṛhe dakṣā sā bhāryāyā priyaṃvadā / sā bhāryā yā patiprāṇā sā bhāryā yā pativratā
గృహకార్యాలలో దక్షురాలై మధురంగా పలికేది, భర్తనే ప్రాణంగా భావించి పతివ్రతాధర్మంలో స్థిరంగా ఉండేది—ఆమెయే సతీభార్య.
Lord Vishnu
Concept: Pativratā-dharma and household competence as markers of an ideal wife and harmonious gṛhastha order.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma as purifying discipline (śuddhi) supporting sattva and social harmony; ethical life as a preparatory ground for higher aims (puruṣārthas).
Application: Cultivate truthful-pleasant speech, responsibility in shared duties, and mutual loyalty; frame marriage as a vow-based partnership rather than mere sentiment.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: shringara
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.108.19-22 (continuation of strī-dharma/household virtues and faults)
FAQs
This verse frames pativratā-dharma as a defining mark of an ideal wife—steadfast fidelity and life-oriented devotion to the husband—alongside practical virtues like household competence and gentle speech.
It does not directly discuss the soul’s post-death journey; instead, it teaches dharmic conduct in household life, which the Purana treats as a foundation for punya (merit) and spiritual steadiness.
Cultivate competence in shared responsibilities, maintain kind and truthful speech, and uphold commitment and integrity in marriage as part of ethical living (dharma).