After the death of their husband, such widows should observe the Vrata of Brahmcharya (strict celibacy). For this reason, the Lord has commanded here that widowed women should never touch or converse with other men who are not closely related to them. The Lord has advised in this way to protect their Brahmcharya as the Vrata of Brahmcharya is destroyed through touching, speaking or even looking at other men. Smrutyarthasar explains, 'A widow who is subdued by lust for another male consigns three generations of her family to hell.' Manu also adds, 'A widow may observe strict fasts and weaken her body but she should also never even utter the name of another man. She should thus observe strict Brahmcharya for the rest of her life.' In situations of emergency etc, widows may touch or speak with other men to save themselves or others from harm. She should always act in a manner that protects her Dharma.