These sections will be treated as one here, although reference to the Shikshapatri states that rules for married women slokha 159 to 162, widows slokha 163 to 172 and all other females 173 to 174. These rules have been laid down so that every female may live a happy and purposeful life, regardless of their personal circumstances.

Slokha 159 ~ Rules for married women Lord Swaminarayan says that all married women shall serve their husbands as God, this is regarded as their dharma or duty. Even if he is blind, sick, poor or impotent the female shall not speak wrong to her husband. By this Lord Swaminarayan often puts females to the test to see whether a female would follow these rules. There was once a lady who was forced to marry a man who was blind, and poor, and had bumps on his face, however the lady looked after her husband as God had asked her to. One day her husband was changed in to a young handsome man and all because the Lord was happy and impressed with this lady.

Slokha 160 ~ Lord Swaminarayan has barred females from maintaining relations with any other young handsome man or who is successfully well set up in a profession, as this often creates attraction between two people.

Slokha 161 ~ Women should not expose any part of their bodies such as navel, breasts, thigh to any men and shall at all times keep their bodies fully covered by a suitable item of clothing. Women should not see rude shows or films or keep friends who sell their bodies for money.

Slokha 162 ~ On occasions women whose husbands have to go on business trips to various parts of the world shall not wear fine or expensive clothes or jewellery, they shall not socialise or get into useless discussions with anyone or visit other peoples houses unless absolutely necessary.

Slokha 163-166 ~ Lord Swaminarayan has also given dharmas for his widow followers, these are, a widow shall never touch a male who is not closely related to them and shall also never touch them, but if there is a danger of life, widows shall make certain exceptions. Similarly if they touch a child, an animal, or if they are in contact with an old man for some essential reason this shall not be considered as a sin. The widow shall observe various fasting days (vrata) such as Ekadhashi.

Slokha 167 ~ Lord Swaminarayan says that a widow does not have to give money for any religious or charitable means if they are poor and only have money enough for their day to day needs. However if the widow has money left over then she may donate some money towards religious purposes.

Slokha 168/169 ~ The widow shall take food only once a day and shall not sleep on a bed but shall sleep on the floor. She shall also not on purpose look at any animals or humans of opposite sex together commiting adultery..Lord Swaminarayan has said that all widows should not be afraid of what they are and therefore should not dress like a married women ie wearing expensive clothes or jewellery or like a nun or a prostitute. They shall dress according to the custom of the country and the wishes and norms of the family.

Slokha 170 ~ A widow shall have no contact with a women who deals in abortion (killing a baby before it is born) and will abstain from any gossip concerning men.

Slokha171/172 ~ A young widow who may be unfortunate by loosing her husband at a young age shall not be in contact or be alone with any young man, even with close family members, unless it is absolutely urgent. Young widows in particular should abstain from wearing fine and expensive clothing which may contain gold embroidery. They shall not take part in holi festival, the festival of colour.

Slokha 173 ~ Shreeji Maharaj has prescribed common laws for all females. Females whether they are married or unmarried or widows shall never take a bath without any clothes on they shall put on an upper garment which will not any part of their body. They shall not hide their monthly period from anyone. Females shall during her period not touch any body or any clothes for three whole days, but may resume normal life after the fourth day after having taken a bath.

The reason Shree Swaminarayan laid these dharmas is that he wished happiness for his women followers. The moment a female devotee suffers pain or trouble of any kind Shreeji Maharaj also feels this pain and so by following these basic laws Lord Swaminarayan has shown his beloved followers how to lead a pure, free and troubleless life.

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