According to Kasyapa Muni, a chaste wife is like the commander of the fort, who will protect the individual in the fort from the onslaughts of uncontrolled senses. A pious wife is a great asset for a husband. Kasyapa Muni refers to the pious wife who assists her husband in his religious duties as the ‘better half’ of the body of the husband. We still have that expression in America today, but it is used as a passing remark or in a joking manner. There is absolutely no idea of the root of the religious message behind that statement, but Srimad Bhagavatam is giving us that message. The qualified chaste wife in relation to the husband is such a great asset - so great of an asset that the Vedas enjoin that the wife is to be considered as the ‘better-half’.

Srila Prabhupada describes in one purport in the First Canto that, in Draupadi’s case, Krishna had some plans. One of those plans was that Bhismadeva should be an instrument to show to the world: It doesn't matter who you are – even if you are Bhishmadeva, pitamaha -- if you don't give protection to women you will be destroyed.

Adapted from a lecture by His Holiness Romapada Swami on Sharing the Japa Retreat Experience,  Houston, September 2011