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
ایک عورت ہمیشہ شوہر کی خدمت کرتی ہے، دوسری کا دل کہیں اور بھی مائل ہو سکتا ہے؛ مگر جب مرد میسر نہ ہوں تو عورت ہی پتی ورتا (شوہر پرست) سمجھی جاتی ہے۔
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.