In Jainism, the restrictions during periods are mainly about ritual rules, not about girls being “less” or sinful.

Very simply:

1. Soul is always pure

- Jain dharma says the jīva (soul) of a woman is as pure and capable of moksha as any man’s. - Menstruation is a natural body process, not a paap, not a defect in the soul.

1. What is the reason for “don’t do this / don’t touch that”?

Traditionally, during rajasvalā (periods), a woman is kept in temporary aśaucha (ritual non‑fitness) for some outside, physical acts like: - touching murtis (idols) and doing dravya‑pūjā (abhishek, aarti, āngi, etc.) - entering the garbhagṛha (inner sanctum) - handling scriptures, pavitras, puja items in the temple

This is called puja‑shuddhi – keeping the highest level of ritual cleanliness for temple worship. It is about external ritual discipline, not about inner spiritual value. ( jainknowledge.com)

1. What can girls still do during periods?

A lot of dharma is fully allowed and even encouraged: - Navkar Mantra jaap - Stavans, prayer, meditation - Pratikraman (at home, seated, gently) ( jainknowledge.com) - Listening to pravachan, doing svādhyāy by reading or listening - Practising ahimsā, daya, forgiveness in daily life

So “no dharma” is wrong – only some touch/temple‑ritual parts are paused; bhāva‑pūjā (inner devotion) continues.

1. Why do families say “don’t touch anything” or “don’t do any dharma”?

- Some of this is old Indian cultural habit, not direct Jain scripture. - Different families, cities, and panths (Digambar / Shvetambar) follow it with different strictness. ( jainknowledge.com) - Digambar lineages are usually stricter (often no temple entry at all during periods). - Many Shvetambar groups allow darshan from outside and simple bhakti.

1. Important to remember

- Menstruation does not make a girl spiritually impure or inferior. - The rule is: during the days of flow, avoid idol‑touch and inner sanctum, keep good hygiene, rest if needed, and focus more on inner dharma. - After periods, bath with clean clothes, and then normal puja resumes. ( jainknowledge.com)

If people around you say “you cannot do ANY dharma,” that is stricter than Jain principles. According to Jain dharma, your bhakti, prayers and good conduct can and should continue during periods.

You can read a simple explanation here