Should all married women cover their head during oratikaman
Short answer: No. Jain scriptures and the Pratikraman-vidhi do not make head-covering compulsory for married women.
What is required
- Clean, simple, modest clothing (white is preferred but not mandatory for śrāvakas).
- Inner discipline: samayik-bhāva, careful speech, and devotion during the six avashyaka.
What is optional/customary
- In many local Śvetāmbara communities, women choose to cover the head (odhni/pallu) during pūjā, āratī, or Pratikraman as a sign of maryādā and respect. This is a community custom, not a scriptural rule.
- Follow your local sangh/temple maryādā if they have a dress guideline for the occasion.
Sect notes
- Śvetāmbara and Digambara śrāvakas both emphasize modest, clean dress. Neither sect’s lay-practice texts mandate head covering for married women.
For a simple overview of Pratikraman and what truly matters in it, see this basic guide .