Sabhartrukabhirnaribhiha Sevyaha Svapatirishavat | Andho Rogi Daridro Va Shardho Vachyam Na Durvachaha ||159||

Married women shall serve and worship their husbands in the manner in which they serve and worship God, even if they are either blind, ailing, poor or impotent and shall never utter harsh words to them Amaare Aashrit Je Suvasini Baaiyo, Temne Potano Pati Andh Hoi, Daridri Hoi, Napusak Hoi Toh Pan Tene Ishwarne Pethe Sevavo Ane Te Pati Pratye Katuk Vachan Na Bolvu

Narad in Shrimad Bhagwat explains, ‘Those women like Goddess Laxmi, who serve their husband with the affection that they are serving God enjoy great bliss with their husbands in Vaikuntha Dhaam.’ In the Shikshapatri Bhashya, Shatanand Swami explains that a wife’s foremost duty is to serve her husband.

‘To serve your husband’s family and to raise progeny (children) is your best duty (Shreshta Dharma).’ Lord Shree Krishna in Bhagwat has also said, ‘O Gopis! To serve one’s husband without treachery is your highest duty (Param Dharma).’

‘The husband should always act suitably. The wife should obey and respect the wishes of her husband. If her husband is endowed with sinful qualities, then she should remain with him and wait for her husband to become cleansed of such sin.’ Secondly, they should never utter harsh words towards their husband. Yagnavalkya explains, ‘Women should never speak harsh words.’

However, if he is out of town, then she should not wear decorated clothes and jewellery as she is only supposed to dress up for her husband. Naradji also says that a wife should adorn clothes to make herself look attractive. She should always dress respectfully by wearing clothes and accessories that suitably cover her body.’

She should never call him by his name, and shall never raise her voice to him. She should never eat or sleep before her husband. The Pati should be considered as Vishnu and his Patni as Laxmi. They should look upon each other in this way and treat each other with respect.

Shatanand Swami says a wife should not leave her husband because of his bad attributes, but should pray to Lord Shree Hari for his favour. In this way a Pativrata Nari is famed in this world. Women who do not serve their husbands in this manner are reborn upon this Earth for several lifetimes in poverty stricken households.

Respect and serve your husband. Don’t undermine your husband’s decision making. Don’t reject your husband. Let your husband protect you. In our modern world, it is sometimes difficult to follow the every Shlok perfectly, but a summary would be: