# Family Life and Gṛhastha-āśrama > [!summary] > *The gṛhastha-āśrama (household life) is a legitimate stage of spiritual advancement within the varṇāśrama system. Unlike materialistic family life focused solely on sense gratification, a Kṛṣṇa conscious household is centered on serving the Lord. Deity worship is essential for householders, and both husband and wife should help each other progress toward liberation. However, one must remain detached, understanding that family relationships are temporary. At the appropriate time, one should retire from household duties to focus exclusively on spiritual realization.* ## Kṛṣṇa Must Be the Center ![[sb/7/14/2]] ![[cc/madhya/22/52]] ## Deity Worship Is Essential ![[sb/7/5/23-24#purport|p1-2]] ![[sb/2/3/22]] ## The Danger of Attachment ![[sb/7/6/9]] ![[sb/5/14/18]] ## Compared to a Dark Well ![[sb/3/24/41#purport|p1-2]] ![[sb/5/1/1#purport|p1]] ## Proper Attitude in Family Life ![[sb/7/14/3-4]] ![[sb/4/28/44#purport|p1]] ## Sex Life Must Be Regulated ![[sb/7/14/1]] ![[sb/5/5/7#purport|p1]] ## Wife's Duty and Husband's Protection ![[sb/7/11/25]] ![[sb/5/18/19#purport|p1]] ## Devotees Can Live Family Life ![[sb/5/1/6#purport|p1]] ![[sb/3/28/18#purport|p1]] ## Retirement From Family Life ![[sb/9/5/26-27]] ![[sb/2/6/20#purport|p1]] ## Liberation Even in Family Life ![[sb/5/5/8#purport|p1]] ![[sb/4/25/37#purport|p1]] ## Related Articles - [[wiki/articles/the-position-of-women-in-vedic-culture|The position of women in Vedic culture]] — Traditional understanding - [[wiki/articles/deity-worship|Deity worship]] — Essential for householders - [[wiki/compile/varnasrama-dharma|Varṇāśrama-dharma]] — The complete social system - [[wiki/articles/the-spiritual-master|The spiritual master]] — Guidance for householders ## From the Index - [[index/entries/grhastha-asrama|Gṛhastha-āśrama]] — Household order - [[index/entries/family-life|Family Life]] — Full index entry - [[index/entries/grhasthas|Gṛhasthas]] — Householders - [[index/entries/marriage|Marriage]] — Sacred union - [[index/entries/husband|Husband]] — Duties - [[index/entries/wife|Wife]] — Duties