Pati-dharma

The protection of women is one of the most fundamental principles of Vedic culture.

"A woman is supposed to be always dependent; in her childhood she is dependent on her father, in youth on her husband, and in old age on her elderly sons." (Srimad Bhagavatam 9.9.32 Bhaktivedanta purport).

Unprotected girls and women become potential targets for exploitation and abuse by unscrupulous men. Therefore the institution of marriage has always existed, for the protection of women and children, and the primary duty of a married man is to protect his wife.

"One who strictly follows religious principles must not neglect to provide all facilities for the complete protection of his wife. There may be some suffering because of this, but one must nevertheless endure it. That is the duty of a faithful husband. By His personal example, Lord Ramacandra demonstrated this duty." (Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.19.5 Bhaktivedanta Purport).

The Supreme Lord, in His form of Ramachandra, personally demonstrated how far a faithful husband should be prepared to go to protect his wife. Lord Rama waged a full-scale war against the demon king Ravana, who had kidnapped His wife Sita Devi, and finally killed the demon and rescued His wife.

A husband's duty to protect his wife is so sacred that it even extends beyond this life. His spiritual responsibility is to protect her from taking birth again in the material world.

"One who cannot deliver his dependants from the path of repeated birth and death should never become a spiritual master, a father, a husband, a mother or a worshipable demigod." (Srimad Bhagavatam 5.5.18).

Once a person accepts dependants, he becomes responsible for other human beings. He can either influence them to make spiritual advancement or he can influence them in degradation.

"A husband should be so enlightened that he should become the spiritual master of his wife in order to enlighten her in the advancement of Krsna consciousness." (Srimad Bhagavatam 3.24.5 Bhaktivedanta Purport).

How does a man become so enlightened that he can act as spiritual master for his wife?

"Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realised souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth." (Bhagavad-gita 4.34)

By accepting a bona fide spiritual master and following his instructions, one can become enlightened with spiritual knowledge.According to traditional Vedic culture, every educated man accepts a spiritual master. He then becomes the spiritual master for his wife by teaching her what he has learnt from his own spiritual master. This system can still be followed today. A woman can also take initiation from the same spiritual master, or another master in the same spiritual tradition, and share the responsibility with her husband to deliver the family from the material world of birth and death.

"Artwork courtesy of The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.
www.krishna.com. Used with permission."