Significance of Brother's wife

Synonyms: Sister-in-law, Husband's sister

In Dutch: De vrouw van mijn broer; In Finnish: Veljen vaimo; In Spanish: La esposa del hermano; In German: Frau des Bruders

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Brother's wife'

Hinduism Books

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Markandeya Purana

(1) The spouse of one's brother, whose scorn or injury causes significant repercussions in the afterlife.[1]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The text describes the spouse of one's brother, emphasizing a familial relationship and the associated social implications.[2]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The brother’s wife is the woman that the didhishupati has intercourse with and the verse discusses the implications of this action.[3] (2) A familial relationship referenced in criticism of the practice concerning sexual relations that are deemed fit only for beasts.[4] (3) The wife of one’s brother; should be saluted by clasping the feet daily if she belongs to the same caste as her husband.[5]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A familial relation indicating the spouse of Shrivasa Pandita's brother.[6] (2) Refers to Shrivasa Pandita's family members who participated in the act of devotion.[7]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Jain concept of 'Brother's wife'

Jainism Books

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The role Rajimati is perceived to fulfill, as suggested by Rathanemi's actions and comments.[8]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Brother's wife in local and regional sources

History Books

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) The spouse of the protagonist's brother, representing familial connections and support.[9]