Matra Svastra Duhitra Va Vijane Tu Vayahasthaya |
Anapadi Na Taiha Stheyam Karyam Danam Na Yoshitaha ||136||
Shatanand explains that to look at a young woman in even an unsecluded place can develop lustful passions. Therefore in order to prevent such deterioration of the mind accruing from such situations, one should avoid such places and situations.
This is even so for women who are closely related to you. Shrimad Bhagwat explains, ‘Women are like fire and men like Ghee (clarified butter often used to fuel fire - in the case of a Divo). Therefore men should never stay in a secluded place with their daughters. They should stay in the company of other women for only the time absolutely necessary.’
Skanda Purana says, ‘Men should not stay in a secluded place with their mother, daughter or sister as overwhelming sensual desires can lead even elders to delusion.’ Prabodhchandrodai and Shrungar Satak both explain, ‘Lust can arise through the company of youthful women even in an unsecluded place.’ For these reasons it is imperative that segregation applies.
This is why in temples of Lord Swaminarayan we sit separately and indeed where possible, separate temples exist for males and females. Even the strongest of us is likely to face downfall in the company of women and so these commandments are for our own benefit in order to preserve personal duty.
It is also written here that one should not give away their wife to anybody (this was often done in the past in order to raise money etc.). If he acts contrary to this commandment then man destroys the ‘Pativrata’ duty that a woman is supposed to uphold, which then results in a great sin for the husband. Dana Mayukh of Skanda Purana explains, ‘There are nine things which should never be given away (even in times of necessity): (1) All of ones possessions, if they have family to support still, (2) one’s own wife, (3) those who come to you for help or support, (4) ones savings, (5) tendencies of the family, (6) your agony or afflictions, (7) something given to you by others for safe keeping, (8) one’s wife’s wealth and (9) one’s own children. Those who give away such things are foolish and will have to intone for their sins.’