In Jain Dharma, menstruation (periods) is seen as a natural bodily process, not a sin and not something that makes the soul impure.

Your question seems to be: “Can men touch women during their periods?” (e.g., wife, family members, normal social contact)

1. From the view of Jain principles

• Jain philosophy focuses on ahimsā (non‑violence), shuddhi (cleanliness), and inner purity of the soul.
• There is no core Jain scriptural rule that says a menstruating woman is untouchable as a person, or that men cannot touch her at all. ( jainknowledge.com)
• Menstruation does not make the soul impure; it is just a physical, temporary state.

2. What traditional “no‑touch” ideas are about

In many Jain (and wider Indian) families, some customs developed like:

• Women not touching murtis, scriptures, puja items, or entering garbhagriha during periods. ( jainknowledge.com)
• Sometimes extra distance is kept in the kitchen or during religious work.

These are mainly:

• Ritual / cleanliness rules,
• Cultural or family customs,

not a statement that the woman is bad or that men must avoid all physical contact with her. ( jainknowledge.com)

3. Normal touch vs. religious touch

It helps to separate two things:

1. Religious touch (temple, idols, scriptures)

- During periods, in most traditional Jain maryādā, women themselves avoid: - entering the inner sanctum (gabhāro), - doing abhiṣek/dravya‑pūjā, - touching murtis and pavitras. ( jainknowledge.com) - This does not involve men touching or not touching them; it’s about her own role in rituals.

1. Everyday personal touch (husband–wife, family, children, social)

- Jain Dharma does not say that men cannot touch their wife or female relatives during periods. - Any extra separation here (like “don’t sit close,” “don’t touch at all”) is purely family or cultural practice, not a universal Jain rule. ( jainknowledge.com)

4. Practical Jain way

• Maintain respect, care, and gentleness; many women feel weak or uncomfortable in these days.
• If your family has a tradition of more distance, understand it as maryādā (custom), not as “she is impure as a soul.”
• If there is confusion, it is best to:

- keep temple‑related rules as your sangh/guru guides, and - treat the woman with full dignity, normal affection, and compassion in daily life.

You can read more detailed Jain‑based answers on this topic here: