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
سچی بیوی وہ ہے جو گھر کے کام میں ماہر اور شیریں گفتار ہو؛ جو شوہر کو جان سمجھے اور پتی ورتا دھرم میں ثابت قدم رہے۔
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).