In Jain Dharma, this is not the same as untouchability.

The reason some families avoid touching a woman during menstruation is usually based on ritual cleanliness and observance discipline, not on hatred or social exclusion. In many Jain traditions, menstruation is treated as a temporary state in which certain religious actions are avoided, especially pooja, temple entry, touching idols, and preparing religious items.

Why is touch avoided?

Because during that time, the person is considered to be in a state where:

• ritual purity is maintained carefully
• religious acts are paused temporarily
• the household avoids mixing that state with sacred activities

So the idea is generally:

• not that the woman is inferior
• not that she is untouchable
• but that certain sacred actions are kept separate for that time

Why can’t others do pooja if they touch her?

In some traditions, once someone comes into contact with a person who is observing this state, they may also avoid immediate pooja until they cleanse themselves, because they want to maintain shuddhi and avoid any doubt in ritual observance.

This is a disciplinary rule of tradition, not a statement that the woman is “polluting” as a person.

Jain view in essence

Jain Dharma emphasizes:

• ahimsa
• self-restraint
• discipline
• respect for life and consciousness

So the core intent should be understood as temporary observance, not discrimination. If any practice becomes harsh, disrespectful, or humiliating, then its spirit has been misunderstood.

Simple way to understand it

It is like this:

• The state is considered temporary and restricted for pooja
• It is not a permanent label
• It is not untouchability
• The purpose is ritual caution, not human rejection

In short: Jain tradition may restrict pooja during menstruation, but it does not support treating the woman as untouchable or less human.