Duties of an Ideal Wife
The duties of an ideal wife are central to the Vedic conception of household life, serving as the foundation for peace, prosperity, and spiritual advancement. By following the footsteps of exalted figures like Sītā, Gāndhārī, and Devahūti, a wife creates a propitious atmosphere for self-realization. Her role is characterized by unwavering chastity, affectionate service, and a deep commitment to assisting her husband in his religious duties.
Unconditional Chastity
The hallmark of an ideal wife is her unwavering determination to follow her husband through all vicissitudes of life. Figures like Sītā and Gāndhārī demonstrate that true chastity involves sharing the husband's destiny without complaint, regardless of material comfort or hardship.
Service and Affection
Service rendered with love and intelligence is the means by which a wife captivates and pleases her husband. As illustrated by Devahūti and the goddess of fortune, this affectionate service not only satisfies the husband but also earns the wife a share of his spiritual merits and ensures the smooth management of household affairs.
Divine Partnership
The ultimate goal of the husband-wife relationship is to mirror the divine interaction between the Lord and His potency. When the husband acts as a servant of God and the wife supports him like the goddess of fortune, their home becomes a spiritual haven leading to liberation.
Conclusion
The ideal wife, through her chastity and service, becomes the pillar of a successful Vedic household. By emulating the qualities of great souls like Sītā, Gāndhārī, and the goddess of fortune, she not only secures harmony in this life but also paves the way for the spiritual liberation of the entire family. Her devotion transforms the home into a place of worship, where the husband and wife can peacefully execute their duties and ultimately return to Godhead.
Dive Deeper into Srila Prabhupada's Vani
Srila Prabhupada lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Ideal Wife. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Srila Prabhupada's teachings in their direct, verbatim form. (See our Editorial Methodology) ```