apati vratā

 

Apati Vratā (अपतिव्रता) refers to a woman who 

is unfaithful to her husband or not devoted 

to marital fidelity.

Meaning and Etymology

The term Apati Vratā is a compound of two Sanskrit components: a (अ), 

meaning not or without, and pati (पति), meaning husband or lord.

Vratā (व्रता) refers to a person who is devoted to a particular duty, 

observance, or religious vow. Thus, Apati Vratā literally translates to 

"not devoted to her husband" or "unfaithful wife"

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Usage in Sanskrit and Hindu Contexts

In classical Hindu literature, Apati Vratā is used to describe a wife's 

moral and marital conduct. A woman labeled as Apati Vratā is considered 

one who does not observe fidelity, chastity, or prescribed duties toward 

her husband, which was historically significant in dharmic texts

emphasizing family and social ethics

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The term emphasizes the ethical and dharmic expectations of spousal 

devotion in ancient and medieval Hindu society. In contrast, a wife who

faithfully observes her duties toward her husband is known as 

Pativrata (पतिव्रता), the virtuous and devoted wife

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Summary

• Sanskrit Term: अपतिव्रता (Apati Vratā)
• Literal Meaning: "Not devoted to her husband"
• Ethical Connotation: An unfaithful or disobedient wife
• Contrast: Opposite of Pativrata, which signifies a faithful, devoted wife

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This term is primarily used in textual, dharmic, and literary contexts

to denote marital unfaithfulness or lack of spousal devotion according 

to traditional Sanskrit and Hindu cultural values.