Why Women Can’t Worship And Visit Temple During Periods? Hinduism Has THIS Answer

The menstrual cycle is an integral part of every female’s life. Once a female enters puberty, she is not allowed to go to a temple or offer any kind of religious prayer when she is menstruating. It is a common taboo to assert that a menstruating woman is “Ashudha” or an impure state during this period, hence, she should not go to the temple or offer prayers. However, according to Hindu texts, there are a number of scientific explanations for this apprehension. Let us check out certain reasons why women are prohibited to pray or offer prayers during their menstrual cycle. 

Why Women Must Not Visit Temple And Offer Worship During Periods?

The Ayurvedic Point Of View 

Menstruation is intimately related to the dosha functions - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, according to Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, women have a unique chance during their menstrual cycle to rid themselves of excess doshas each month; it is this monthly cleaning that gives them a long lifespan. The body stores more energy in the days preceding menstruation as it gets ready for pregnancy. This stored energy is released from the body throughout the menstrual cycle if there is no pregnancy. Vata is the major dosha throughout the menstrual cycle. Menstruation flows downhill because of Apana vayu, one of the Vata dosha's elemental air functions. Consequently, one should refrain from engaging in any activity that obstructs the essential downward flow of energy throughout the menstrual cycle. 

Women are more susceptible to absorbing external energies when they are menstruating. The majority of Indian cultural customs surrounding menstruation are based on this notion. During menstruation, energy travels upward and down into the soil (at the puja table, offerings, and altar). This may cause physical discomfort to the woman. 

The menstrual cycle plays a crucial role in the lives of all women. A girl is not permitted to visit a temple or perform any form of religious prayer during her menstrual cycle after she reaches puberty. (Image Source: Canva)

Ancient Practices 

In the past, ladies would bathe in rivers, ponds, or areas close to wells. It would be uncomfortable for the girl to take a bath outside in the river during her menstrual cycle because it would likely "pollute" the water.

Thus, the women refrained from bathing. The females were naturally referred to as "unclean" at that period since they did not take a bath. As a result, they are not allowed in the kitchen or prayer room—the two "clean" areas of the house.

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Scientific Reasons 

Science, on the other hand, interprets the menstrual cycle differently. According to scientific beliefs, a woman has a hormone imbalance on certain days, which makes her more irritable. According to psychics, a lady who is menstruation has a distinct aura surrounding her, maybe due to a chemical reaction. People react negatively to those who segregate themselves to pray, thus it's possible that this is why women were prohibited from praying in public areas back then. Prayer demands a positive and uplifting mindset.

(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)