What sahebji do in periods according to shwetamber
In Śvetāmbara tradition, “sahebji” (shravikā / Jain lady) during periods (rājostā) mainly follows some maryādā (discipline) about temple and touch, not about her soul being impure.
1. What she should avoid during periods
Generally for 3 days (sometimes till flow ends), she does not:- Do abhishek / snātra pūjā
- Do dravya-pūjā of murtis
- Enter the garbhagṛha (inner sanctum)
- Touch:
- Lead or join formal temple rituals that require high ritual śuddhi
These rules are about external ritual purity, not about her being “low” or spiritually inferior.
2. What she can do and is encouraged to do
At home (and often even sitting in mandir but outside sanctum, depending on local custom), she may:- Recite Navkār Mantra
- Do sāmāyik and pratikraman in a simple, seated way
- Do jap, dhyān, svādhyāy (study, listening to pravachan)
- Do dayā, dān, ahiṁsā in daily life
- Listen to pravachan from a little distance if temple allows
For most Śvetāmbara mūrtipūjak sanghs:
- On 4th day, after snān and shuddhi with clean clothes, she returns to normal temple pūjā.
3. About Śvetāmbara sādhvijī (nuns)
Śvetāmbara sādhvīs also take it as a natural body process and:- Maintain extra cleanliness and simplicity
- May limit some formal rituals or longer austerities during heavy days
- Continue jap, dhyān, svādhyāy as per their ācārya’s instructions
Exact details differ a little by gacch / sangh and local maryādā, so final guidance is always of your guru / local mandir.
You can read a simple explanation of Jain rules during periods here