can a shwetambar take porsi pachkhan and go samvatsari pratikraman while she is menstruating
In Shwetambar and Digambar Jain traditions, the core practice of Samvatsari Pratikraman is for all lay Jains to conduct confession and atonement. There are some practical differences in how ritual details are performed, but menstruation itself does not universally forbid the practice of Pratikraman.
- Samvatsari Pratikraman: Generally performed by both men and women, including Shravikas (women lay followers). If a woman is menstruating, she can still perform the Pratikraman, though local temple rules or family customs may influence where or how she does it (often at home if official temple participation is restricted). The essential purpose—confession, repentance, and forgiveness—remains the same. You may find the basic structure and purposes of Samvatsari Pratikraman explained in standard Svetambar text traditions. You can read more here
- Porsi Pachkhan (Pacchakhan): This is a specific pacchakhan cycle used during Pratikraman periods, with variations (panahara, chauvvihara, tivihara, etc.) described in Svetambar manuals. When a practitioner is menstruating, the practice may be adjusted by family/teacher discretion, emphasizing devotion and confession over strict procedural detail. The essential aim—to cleanse conduct—remains intact. General discussion of Pacchakhan and Samvatsari guidelines can be found here
- Digambar vs Shwetambar: Both traditions value Pratikraman, but there are traditional variances in the exact steps and who leads, and in devotional rules during menstruation may differ by community or temple. The foundational purpose is preserved in both, and many Shravikas perform Pratikraman at home if temple entry is restricted by local custom.
If you want, I can look for a more specific, tradition-by-tradition statement from Jain Knowledge pages to quote exact wording.