Sadhvavidhvabhischa Na Snatavyam Nirambharam |
Two Shlokas conclude the additional duties for women, which apply to all women - married, widowed, and Acharya Patnis. Firstly they should never bathe naked (Nagna Snaan). To do so is disrespect for Lord Varuna (God of rivers/water). Krishna said to the Gopis, when they bathed naked in the waters of Jamuna: ‘You, who observe Vratas, have entered the water without clothing, and thus have insulted and shown disrespect for the God (Varuna) therein’. In similar manner, men should also not bathe without clothing, explains Shatanand.
Suvrat Muni says: Nagnasnaanam Nagnasaiyaa Manujanaam Vigarhitam - ‘Sleeping and bathing in the nude are slanderous acts.’ Vashishta Smruti also says, ‘One should never sit upon a camel, cow or donkey. Nor should man have associations (sexual) with a women during the day, bath without clothes, walk or wander without clothes or sleep without clothing.’ Shankha Muni explains, ‘Coition during the day, bathing in the nude and looking at naked women are all atoned for by observing a full day fast (Upavas).’
Svarajodarshanam Stribhiraopaniyam Na Sarvatha ||
The ‘Maasic Vrata’ - when a woman is upon her menstruation cycle should be observed. The reason being, during the period of menses, a woman receives a quarter the sin of Brahmhatya (killing a Brahmin) from Indra. During the period of menses, women should observe untouchability. Those who do not, and freely touch other people, also receive such sin of Brahmhatya. Also, even touching utensils of the house can cause adverse effects. For this reason, all should observe this period of untouchability during a woman’s Maasic Vrata. This is explained further in Rushi Panchmi Vrata Katha.
Shrimad Bhagwat explains, ‘In return for the blessing of always living with their husband, women accepted the fourth part of the sin of Brahmhatya.’ Thus, this blessing was received by all women in return for acquiring the sin of Brahmhatya that is evident through their monthly Maasic Vrata. Only after observing the 3-day Vrata, does a woman become free from such sin. Those that do not observe the Vrata and keep it secret are reborn in the animal kingdom.