Pratikraman whilst on periods

Short answer: Yes—Pratikraman can be done during periods.

Key points rooted in Jain maryādā

• Pratikraman is primarily an internal practice of repentance, self‑reflection, and vow‑renewal. Menstruation is a natural bodily process; it does not obstruct inner śuddhi (purification).
• There is no prohibition on doing mental, vocal, or seated Pratikraman at home during periods.
• Health comes first. If you feel weak or in pain, do a shorter, gentle form.

Practical way to observe

• Sit on a clean, separate āsan. Maintain normal hygiene and modest, clean clothing.
• You may do:

- Navkār Mantra japa - Aloyanā (confession/acknowledgment of faults) - Pratyākhyān (renewal of small vows you can comfortably keep) - Khamāsamanā and short Kayotsarga (brief stillness/forgiveness) - Listening to or softly reciting the Pratikraman sutras

• If needed, take pachkhan to relax any strenuous niyams (e.g., long standing, extended fasting) for health reasons.

Temple and touch-related maryādā commonly followed

• Many sanghs request that, during menstruation, women refrain from: abhiṣek/snatra‑pūjā, touching mūrtis, entering the garbha‑gṛha, and directly handling pavitras or scriptures. You may still sit outside the sanctum, listen, or perform mental Pratikraman.
• These are cleanliness/conduct guidelines, not a ban on sādhanā.

Digambar and Śvetāmbara notes

• Both traditions uphold that true śuddhi is internal and that repentance, samayik, and japa may continue during periods.
• Local maryādā differs by gacch/sangh and temple committee. Śvetāmbara and Digambar communities commonly maintain the “no‑touch” guideline for idols/scriptures during menstruation, while allowing home or mental Pratikraman.

Essence

• Do not feel spiritually “barred.” Keep the core—ahiṃsā, saiyam, and inner repentance—alive, and adjust only the touch/temple aspects per local maryādā and your health.