Pativrata Wife (Metaphor For Devotee's Love For God)

Vachanãmrut, Gadhadã I – 26.9: “In this way, when only thoughts of Bhagvãn remain while thinking, the mind becomes completely void, except for the murti of Bhagvãn, and that bhakta does not identify the body or the brahmãnd at all. Then, while seeing the murti of Bhagvãn within that void, divine light is generated, and the murti of Bhagvãn is seen within that light. So, love towards only the svarup of Bhagvãn in this way is called pati-vratã bhakti.”

A woman who is completely devoted to her husband and keeps the principles of loyalty, faithfulness, and selflessness in their union is referred to as a pativrata wife. The word "pativrata" is derived from the Sanskrit words "pati" and "vrata," where "pati" denotes a husband and "vrata" is a pledge or dedication. A pativrata wife is viewed as an ideal role model in the Sanatan Dharma, representing the values and obligations of a faithful spouse.

Pativrata wives are renowned for their unshakable devotion to their husbands, prioritizing their wants and happiness before their own. She continues to be steadfast in her devotion, displaying it in her words, deeds, and thoughts. She embraces her role as a supporting partner and works to forge a happy and fulfilling marriage.

A pativrata wife must possess the virtues of sacrifice and selflessness. In order to ensure her husband is happy and their marriage is successful, she voluntarily makes personal sacrifices and puts aside her own ambitions. She performs her duties as a wife and mother, placing the needs of her family first.

A pativrata wife approaches her husband with respect and reverence as the leader of the household. Her efforts to foster an atmosphere of generosity, humility, and dignity within their partnership are motivated by love and admiration.

A pativrata wife always encourages and supports her husband in all facets of life. She shows a strong interest in his goals and desires, taking an active role in his path and giving him inspiration and direction. She is a pillar of support by his side in both happy and difficult moments.

A pativrata wife demonstrates the virtues of patience, compassion, forgiveness, and honesty through fulfilling her dharma (obligations as a wife). She aspires to be a model wife, setting an example for her children and the larger community. Her behavior and character are intended to foster a peaceful and loving home for her spouse and family.

A pativrata wife's devotion to her husband serves as a powerful metaphor for a devotee's love for God. This metaphor encompasses several key aspects of their relationship. Just as a pativrata wife exhibits unwavering devotion to her husband, a devotee's love for God is characterized by an unshakable commitment and loyalty. Both the pativrata wife and the devotee prioritize their respective partners, considering them the center of their world.

Furthermore, both the pativrata wife and the devotee demonstrate sacrifice and surrender in their love. The pativrata wife willingly sacrifices for her husband's happiness, putting his needs before her own. Similarly, a devotee surrenders their ego and worldly attachments, sacrificing personal desires in order to deepen their connection with the Supreme Lord.

Faith and trust are integral to both relationships. A pativrata wife wholeheartedly believes in her husband's goodness and wisdom, placing her complete trust in him. Likewise, a devotee places their faith in God, relying on divine guidance and believing in God's benevolence and wisdom.

The pativrata wife's longing for union with her husband mirrors the devotee's desire for oneness with God. Both seek a profound sense of unity, merging their identities with their partners. This yearning for union brings a deep sense of fulfillment and spiritual connection.

Service and devotion are central expressions of love in both relationships. The pativrata wife serves her husband with utmost dedication, nurturing their relationship through acts of love and care. Similarly, a devotee demonstrates their love for God through acts of service, devotion, and kindness toward others. They see all beings as divine manifestations and engage in spiritual practices to cultivate their connection with God. The pativrata wife's devotion offers valuable insights into the profound love and devotion that can be experienced in the relationship between a devotee and God.