What are the traditional Hindu beliefs regarding menstruation?
The verse/translation for Srimad Bhagavata Purana 6.6.9 given above is incorrect. The actual verse has nothing to do with menstruation. Here is the verse: mauhūrtikā deva-gaṇā muhūrtāyāś ca jajñire ye vai phalaḿ prayacchanti bhūtānāḿ sva-sva-kālajam Translation: The demigods named the Mauhūrtikas took birth from the womb of Muhūrtā. These demigods deliver the results of actions to the living entities of their respective times.
Hinduism and Menstruation: This article takes a peek into the controversial issue of women attending Mandirs or being involved in puja during her menstrual cycle. This is somewhat of a controversial issue, but I believe the controversy is more within our minds than literal. From a biological standpoint, the menstrual period is a way the body rid itself of certain impurities. This can be view, literally, as a moment or period of uncleanliness. Hence, the belief that since it is unclean, the woman, also, becomes unclean. In the course of Puja, one must avoid all impurities and uncleanliness. Hence, men have always entertained the thoughts that a woman is unclean during her period and therefore, she should not be involved in puja during her cycle. Additionally, most men would abstain from sexual contact during a woman’s period, because of due respect for her and because he may feel it is unclean. Personally, I do believe there are some forms of restrictions that must be adhered to. Howeve
During menstruation women are ‘hygienically challenged’ They are weaker and need rest (from daily chores). They are also unfit for sex. * In the olden days, for above 3 reasons they were segregated for 4-5 days during menstruation when there were other women to run the large joint household. The segregation ended with a major bath with fragrant oils, including washing the usually long hair. ** With improving & discrete hygiene in one-woman nuclear families, segregation is not practical during menstruation and is no longer a taboo. * * * Rest is just like it is in the West.
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