Jain nuns (and elders) usually say this out of concern for your bhava (inner state), not because menstruation itself is a sin.

In simple words:

1. Menstruation is not paap and not bad bhava by itself

- In Jain Dharma, your soul does not become impure because of periods. - Bhava depends on intentions, thoughts, and attitude – not on blood or body fluids.

1. Then why do they warn about “bad bhava if you touch”?

Usually they mean things like: - Don’t argue, fight, feel guilt, or feel “I am dirty/useless” – that negative thinking becomes bad bhava. - If you knowingly break the maryādā (rules) of your family/temple and do it with carelessness or ego (e.g., “I don’t care what Jain rules say”), that attitude can create asātvik / careless bhava, which binds karma.

1. What is actually restricted in many Jain traditions

These are maryādā (conduct rules), not core doctrine: - During periods, many communities say: - Don’t enter garbhagriha / gabharo (inner sanctum of temple) - Don’t touch murtis, scriptures, puja-articles - This is called ashaucha / ritual impurity – temporary and only for some rituals, to keep puja-shuddhi (special cleanliness for worship).

1. What is not restricted

Even during periods, you can usually: - Do Navkar mantra, jap, stavans, meditation - Listen to pravachan, do bhāv-pūjā from outside sanctum or at home - Do dayā, kindness, self-control (saiyam) These are all good bhava and encouraged.

1. Digambar vs Śvetāmbara (general picture)

- Digambar: usually stricter – often no entering temple premises, no touch of scriptures/idols during periods. - Śvetāmbara: usually allow darshan from outside and spiritual practices at home, but still avoid touching idols / inner sanctum. - Details differ by sangh, guru, and local temple rules.

1. So how to understand “you might get bad bhava if you touch something”?

A gentle, accurate way to see it: - The body’s condition is not bad bhava. - If you respect the maryādā calmly, bhava stays good. - If you break it with anger, rebellion, guilt, or shame, that disturbed inner state can become bad bhava and bind more karma. - Nuns warn you so that you: - Protect temple/ritual purity according to tradition - Protect your own mind from guilt, fear, or carelessness later.

If you want to read more on this exact topic in simple language, you can see:

• “Why menstruating women are impure and not allowed to touch anything?”
• “Why do Jains not touch on their period?”
• “Why do we cannot touch on our periods?”