In Jain dharma, menstruation itself does NOT give you a “bad bhav” (bad karma / bad inner state). It is a natural physical process.

Why, then, do some Jain nuns or elders say this?

1. Meaning of “bad bhav” here

When they say, “You will get bad bhav,” they usually mean:

• You are knowingly breaking a religious rule (maryādā) about ashaucha (ritual non‑cleanliness).
• The wrong attitude – carelessness, disrespect, arguing – can create asat bhav (impure inner feelings), and that can bind bad karma.

So it is not the periods, but the disrespectful or careless mindset that is spiritually harmful.

2. What is actually restricted in Jain tradition?

During menstruation (rajasvalā), many Jain traditions say to avoid touching:

• Murtis (idols)
• Pujā items (chandan, rice, flowers, kalash, etc.)
• Scriptures
• Entering the inner sanctum (garbha‑griha)

This is about pujā‑shuddhi (ritual cleanliness), not about a woman being “low” or “impure” as a soul. The soul always remains pure; only outer rules change for a few days. ( jainknowledge.com)

You can still:

• Do bhāva‑pūjā (mental devotion)
• Recite Navkār Mantra
• Listen to pravachan
• Do quiet svādhyāy and prārthanā from outside the sanctum ( jainknowledge.com)

3. Does touching any object give bad bhav?

No. Classical Jain rules focus mainly on:

• Sacred things (murtis, scriptures, pujā items)
• Certain kitchen / food rules in some families, linked to hygiene and micro‑life (nigod), not to hatred of women. ( jainknowledge.com)

Simply touching normal household objects does not automatically create bad bhav or bad karma.

4. When can bad karma arise?

Bad karma can be bound if:

• You know the family/temple rule clearly,
• You deliberately break it out of ego, anger, contempt, or mockery,
• And you keep a dur‑bhav (negative attitude) toward dharma or elders.

If you are confused, trying your best, or following a more relaxed understanding with sincere respect, Jain dharma is not about punishing you.

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If you want to read more on how Jainism explains periods and temple rules in simple language, see these answers on JainKnowledge: “Why women are not allowed in temples during their periods” “Why we follow not to go Mandir in periods or not to touch”