During periods should I not touch my relatives..is something written that way in Jainism or is it a myth?

In Jainism, there is no core scriptural rule that says a menstruating person must not touch relatives.

What is usually seen in some Jain families is a custom or household practice, not a universal Jain siddhant. These practices may come from:

• local tradition,
• ideas of bodily impurity,
• or family discipline.

But from a Jain dharmic view, menstruation is a natural bodily process, and it does not make a person spiritually inferior or untouchable.

Simple Jain understanding:

• Bhav shuddhi (purity of intention and inner state) is more important than bodily states.
• Jainism emphasizes ahimsa, self-restraint, and purity of conduct.
• So, if a family avoids certain physical contact during periods, that is usually a tradition, not a strict Jain religious command.

Important point:

If someone says, “Jainism itself forbids touching relatives during periods,” that is more of a myth or a family/customary belief, not a universal Jain rule.

So the balanced answer is: No, Jainism does not universally forbid touching relatives during periods. It is mainly a cultural practice in some homes, not a required religious law.