In Indian Culture, There Is No ‘Wife’ but ‘Dharmapatni’: Rambhadracharya

Eighth Day of Shri Ram Katha Highlights Respect for Women as the Core Principle of Sanatan Dharma

A Mother’s Position Is Ten Times Greater Than That of a Father: Rambhadracharya

Lucknow, June 2026 : Padma Vibhushan awardee and Tulsi Peethadhishwar Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya, during the eighth day of the nine-day musical Shri Ram Katha, gave a heartfelt narration of episodes from Lord Rama’s exile, including his interactions with tribal communities, forest dwellers, and Shabari. Referring to the episode of Sage Sharabhanga, he elaborated on the sixth form of Navadha Bhakti (nine forms of devotion), known as Vandan Bhakti (devotion through reverence and salutations).

Speaking at the ongoing discourse at the Brij Ki Rasoi premises on Sitapur Road, Rambhadracharya said that in Indian culture, love is not based on sensual desire but on devotion and spiritual reverence. He recalled that during the exile period, Lord Rama gathered flowers from the forest and adorned Mother Sita while seated on the crystal rock (Sphatik Shila), describing it as an ideal example of respect, dedication, and love in married life.

He further stated that in Indian culture, a woman is not merely referred to as a “wife” or “biwi” but as a Dharmapatni—a life partner who helps her husband stay on the path of righteousness and protects him from moral downfall. According to him, marital life should be founded on mutual respect and dignity. He noted that while wives traditionally address their husbands respectfully, any disrespectful manner of addressing a wife is not considered consistent with Indian cultural values.

Rambhadracharya also referred to the debate surrounding the Women’s Reservation Bill, known as the Nari Shakti Vandan proposal. He remarked that even the proposal for 33 per cent reservation for women had faced opposition. In his view, granting women even 50 per cent reservation would not be excessive, considering their contribution to society.

Citing the Manusmriti, he said that a mother’s position is regarded as ten times greater than that of a father. He emphasized that women play the most important role in the creation and development of families, society, and the nation.

Several distinguished personalities attended the event and sought blessings from the Vyas Peeth. Among them were former Governor Kalraj Mishra, former BJP National Vice-President Shyam Jaju, Uttar Pradesh MSME Minister Bhupendra Chaudhary, Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, Chairman of the State Backward Classes Commission Rajesh Verma, BJP State Vice-President Braj Bahadur, legislators Vinay Verma and Govind Narayan Shukla, Santosh Singh, Rajeev Gumbar, Sitapur District Panchayat Chairman’s representative Shiv Kumar Gupta, and Padma Shri awardee Sunil Jogi.

On behalf of the organizing committee, MLA Dr. Neeraj Bora welcomed all the guests.

Media in-charge Dr. S.K. Gopal informed that the concluding session of the Shri Ram Katha will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. The event will conclude with a grand community feast (Bhandara) in the afternoon. On the final day, Yogi Adityanath is expected to attend the discourse and seek blessings from the Vyas Peeth.