WOMEN UNDER POLYGAMY
Finally, Vishnu forbids marriage with a woman who "talks idly."
The stigma of virginity must be removed as soon as possible after a girl attains to the function of womanhood. If no man chooses her within three months, she is at liberty to make her choice.
We will now survey some of "The Duties of a Woman," according to Vishnu.
To live in harmony with her husband.
To show reverence (by embracing their feet and such-like attentions) to her mother-in-law, father-in-law, to Gurus (such as elders), to divinities, and to guests.
To keep household articles (such as the winnowing basket and the rest) in good array.
To maintain saving habits.
To be careful with her pestle and mortar and other domestic utensils.
Not to practise incantations with roots, or other kinds of witchcraft.
To observe auspicious customs.
Not to decorate herself with ornaments, or to partake of amusements, while her husband is absent from home.
Not to resort to the houses of strangers during the absence of her husband.
Not to stand near the doorway or by the windows of her house.
Not to act by herself in any matter.
To remain subject, in her infancy, to her father; in her youth to her husband; and in her old age to her sons. After the death of her husband to preserve her chastity, or to ascend the pile after him.
No sacrifice, no penance, and no feasting allowed to women apart from their husbands; to pay obedience to her lord is the only means for a woman to obtain bliss in heaven.
A woman who keeps a fast or performs a penance in the lifetime of her lord, deprives her husband of his life, and will go to hell.
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