Ekapatni Vrata

‘Ekapatni Vrat’ (vow of loyalty to one’s wife) is a unique characteristic of a genuine householder. In today’s world, this is known as monogamy. Srimad Ramayana portrays Sri Rama as following ‘ekapatni Vrat’. Being loyal to one’s wife is not an uncommon characteristic. Therefore, is it not surprising that this feature of Lord Rama should be acclaimed by one and all?During His discourse (in Nov 2010), Sri Swamiji gave a unique explanation to this feature of Sri Rama.Lord Vishnu has two Consorts – Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. In the several incarnations of His, the Lord was accompanied by both His Consorts. However, His Avatar as Rama has been exceptional. In this Avatar of the Lord as Rama when Sri Devi (Sita) was with Him, His other Consort – Bhoo Devi – was not with Him. Bhoo Devi, in this instance, is represented by the kingdom of Ayodhya. During his time in the forest only Sri Devi (Sita) was with him. Bhoo Devi was not with him.After he returned from the forest and became the king of Ayodhya, only Bhoo Devi (the kingdom) was with him; Sri Devi (Sita) left him. Thus, Lord Rama was with only one wife (either Sri Devi [Sita] or Bhoo Devi [the kingdom of Ayodhya]) – ‘eka patni’.