Here is the traditional Jain maryadā (customary conduct) generally followed by laywomen during menstruation. These are based on the principles of shuddhi (purity), ahimsā, and apramāda (carefulness). Community practices can vary.

Core principle

• Treat it as a time for rest, inner bhāva-bhakti, and extra hygiene. The person is never “impure”; only ritual purity for certain acts is observed.

What to refrain from (during active flow, and until a full bath before resuming)

• Do not enter the temple/garbhagriha, touch mūrtis, pūjā-dravya, or Jain scriptures.
• Do not perform abhishek, pūjān, ārtī/mangal-dīvo, snātra-pūjā, sāmudāyik (collective) rituals, or go on tīrth-yātrā.
• Avoid taking new or strenuous vratas/fasts; postpone if needed. Do not prepare naivedya or food meant for offering.
• In households that keep a strict chaukā system, do not do chaukā or cook for religious offerings (family customs may guide everyday cooking for the household).

What is acceptable and encouraged

• Quiet bhāva-bhakti at home: mental Namokār mantra-jap, stavans quietly, contemplation, listening to pravachan/svādhyāy.
• Gentle sāmāyik or pratikraman in bhāva only (without dravya/ritual materials), as per your sect’s guidance.
• Extra personal hygiene and compassion to the body: daily bath if possible, frequent pad changes, careful disposal, clean clothes and bedding.

Duration

• Observe these restraints while there is flow. After the flow ends, take a full bath and then resume regular temple/ritual activities. Some families keep three days; others follow until flow stops—follow your maryadā.

If periods start unexpectedly at a sacred place

• Withdraw respectfully from ritual areas as soon as you realize, and do inner pratikraman (kshamā-yāchanā) for any unintentional lapse. Resume only after the period ends and bath is taken.

Sect-wise notes (brief)

• Digambar: Generally stricter about ritual purity—avoid all temple rituals and handling śāstra; do only mental bhakti.
• Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjak: Similar practice; usually avoid entering the temple entirely and any contact with dev/śāstra/dravya.
• Sthānakvāsī/Terāpanth: As there is no idol-worship, avoid handling scriptures or leading collective rituals; quiet bhāva-sādhana at home is acceptable.

Important clarity

• These are maryadā/tradition-based for ritual purity; the essence is ahimsā and śuddhi. The purpose is not discrimination but carefulness and rest.

For simple, community-level explanations, you can also see: