In Jainism, the point is not that a woman is “bad” or “less” during periods. The rule is mainly about ritual purity (shuddhi) for certain types of temple worship.

Very simply:

1. Body vs. Soul

- The soul (jiv) is always pure – whether a woman has periods or not. - Menstruation is seen as a temporary physical / ritual non‑purity (ashaucha), only for some outer religious activities.

1. Why some temples restrict entry or puja during periods

Traditional Jain practice says that during menstruation (rajasvalā), a woman should avoid: - Going into the garbhagriha (inner sanctum) - Touching idols, puja items, scriptures - Doing abhishek, dravya‑puja, etc.

Reasons given in Jain tradition: - Highest shuddhi for puja: Certain rituals require the strictest physical cleanliness. During periods, the body is naturally expelling blood and waste, so it is treated as a time of ritual non‑fitness for these acts. ( jainknowledge.com) - Ahimsa & hygiene: Earlier times had less hygiene and comfort; these rules also protected health and kept sacred places very clean. ( jainknowledge.com)

1. What women can do during periods

Even if a temple or family follows strict rules, a woman can still: - Do bhav‑puja (mental worship) - Recite Navkar Mantra, do samayik and prayer at home - Listen to pravachan, Jain lectures, or do svadhyay by listening - Do pratikraman mentally (in many Śvetāmbara circles this is allowed) ( jainknowledge.com)

1. Differences in practice (Digambar / Shvetambar & local customs)

- Digambar: Generally more strict – mostly no entering sanctum, no touching idols or puja items during periods. - Śvetāmbara (especially Murtipujak): Often - Avoid touching murti and doing dravya‑puja, - But many allow darshan from a distance or sitting in the hall quietly. - Exact rules can vary a lot by sangh, city, and family tradition. ( jainknowledge.com)

1. Does Jainism call women “impure” as persons?

No. Traditional teachers clearly say: - Menstruation = temporary ritual impurity of the body for certain acts, - Not inner impurity of the soul, and not a statement that a woman is lower or sinful. ( jainknowledge.com)

1. Modern view inside Jain community

- Some Jains still follow these rules very strictly. - Some follow them partly (e.g., no murti‑puja, but temple entry and darshan allowed). - Some do not keep such restrictions and focus only on intention (bhav) and general cleanliness. ( jainknowledge.com)

So, why can’t women go to temple during menstrual cycle? According to traditional Jain maryādā, it is to:

• Maintain a very high level of ritual purity for certain temple rituals, and
• Give the woman rest during a physically sensitive time,

not because Jainism considers her spiritually impure or inferior.

If you want to read more in simple language, you can see a related explanation here: “Why women are not allowed in temples during their periods”