Can we do pratikramn in periods
Short answer: Yes.
In Jain Dharma, pratikraman is primarily an inner act of repentance, reflection, and resolve. Menstruation is a natural, bodily process and does not stop one from doing bhav‑pratikraman.
How to observe during periods (simple, respectful way):
- Focus on internal purity: do samayik, alochana (confession), pratyakhyan (resolve), pratikraman sutras, and kayotsarg mentally and peacefully.
- Keep it clean and simple: sit in a clean place at home, wear clean clothes. If full bath is difficult, basic cleanliness is acceptable.
- Avoid temple-touch rituals: as per traditional maryada, avoid entering the garbhagriha, touching idols, scriptures, puja-dravya, abhishek, or ang‑puja. If attending a group pratikraman, sit outside the sanctum and do bhav‑pratikraman.
- Health comes first: strict fasts (like upvas) are usually relaxed for women during menstruation; prefer light niyams such as anukampa-bhav, maitri, and gentle swadhyaya.
Tradition notes:
- Shwetambar: Generally permits samayik, swadhyaya, stavan, and pratikraman as bhav‑sadhana at home; avoid murti‑sparsh and puja‑dravya.
- Digambar: Similar emphasis on inner sadhana; avoid idol-touch and abhishek. Jain women may continue japa, dhyana, and pratikraman mentally.
Essence: Pratikraman is about inner purity, not physical condition. Do it with shraddha, ahimsa-bhav, and sincere repentance, keeping external restrictions where your tradition prescribes.