Husband and Wife

UPANISHAD SIX: FAMILY LIFE

Sloka 71

What Is the Central Purpose of Marriage?

The two purposes of marriage are: the mutual support, both spiritual and material, of man and wife; and bringing children into the world. Marriage is a religious sacrament, a human contract and a civil institution.

Sloka 72

What Are the Duties of the Husband?

It is the husband's duty to protect and provide for his wife and children. As head of the family, he is responsible for its spiritual, economic, physical, mental and emotional security.

Sloka 73

What Are the Duties of the Wife?

It is the wife's duty to bear, nurse and raise the children. She is the homemaker, standing beside her husband as the mother and educator of their children. She is the home's silent leader.

Sloka 74

What Is the Hindu View of Sexuality?

The purpose of sexual union is to express love and to draw husband and wife together to conceive children. Hinduism does not have overly strict rules about sexual matters, but it does give community guidance.

Sloka 75

What Is the Relation Of Sex to Marriage ?

It is not wise to have sexual intercourse outside marriage. Marriages that are free of prior intimate relationships are the truest and strongest. They seldom end in separation or divorce.