Short answer: This statement is not correct in Jain Dharma.

• In Jain tradition there is no scriptural rule that women cannot do pūjā of Manibhadra Dādā (Manibhadra Vīr). He is a śāsan-dev who is venerated by devotees irrespective of gender. What matters is śuddha-bhāva (pure intention), not whether the devotee is male or female.

• Śvetāmbara practice: Manibhadra Dādā’s worship (pūjā, ārti, stavan, chaitya-vandan before his image) is commonly done by both women and men. Any restrictions you may see are usually local temple maryādā (house rules), not a Jain scriptural prohibition.

• Common maryādā observed in many temples: during the menstrual period, women are asked to refrain from entering the garbha-gṛha or doing dravya-pūjā. This is a customary temple rule in some communities, not a ban on women in general. Outside such times, women may participate fully.

• Digambara note: Yakṣa-devatā worship is less emphasized; focus remains on Tīrthaṅkaras. Where Manibhadra Vīr’s worship is observed, the maryādā applies equally to all; there is no gender-based prohibition.

Essence: Jain Dharma upholds equality of the soul. Proper conduct and pure bhāva are the key; women can do Manibhadra Dādā’s pūjā wherever the local temple’s maryādā permits.