What are the traditional uses of mikveh?
During the Temple period, mikveh was an integral part of Temple ritual. Prior to ascending onto the temple mount, visitors were required to immerse in one of several mikvaot located on the periphery of the Temple in order to transform their spiritual state from tumah (impure/ritually unprepared) to taharah (pure/ritually prepared). The priests were also required to immerse prior to performing their priestly functions including sacrifices. After the destruction of the Temple and its sacrificial system, mikveh no longer was necessary for priestly purposes. However, it has continued to be used for pre-worship purification, for brides and for converts. The largest number of visitors to mikvaot are women observing the laws of niddah, who visit monthly.
