Hare Krishna! AGTSP! PAMHO!
I believe that many women in KC have this doubt regarding prohibitions during their monthlies. So, I am humbly inquiring this for the benefit of all.
My questions are as follows :
1. Can we wear deity pendants during menstruation? How about Nrsimha kavaca pendant?
2. Can we wear kanthi-mala during periods?
3. Can we read Bhagavad Gita and other holy scriptures during menstruation?
Thank you. Haribol!
Replies
From “Srilla Prabhupada Siksamrta” Book, Chapter . Deity Worship—Cleanliness And Punctuality, Letter No. 74-08
“ Regharding the worship of our Goura-Nitai by women pujaris, we worship Lord Caitanya in His householder life when He was with His wife, and not as a sanyasi. So. It is all right for woen to do this service. But, beside this, service is spitiual and there can be bo material designation. In Bhagavad-gita it is stated by Lord Krishna: nstriyo vaisyas tatha sudras, te pi yanti partam gatim (B.G 9.32)The Principle is that everyone who is properly initiated and following the rules and regulations can worship. This activity is not on the material platform. According to the smarta-vidhi, women cannot touch Deity during menstrual period but the goswami-vidhi allows. But it is better not to do it. One thing is that the seva can never be stopped for any reason. This also for the cooking.( SPL to Amsu dasa, 13th August,1974)
So, for the pleasure of Krishna’s service , a highly advanced devotee—so called in dress of man or woman—can surpass the rule and regulation or so called material etiquettes; They don’t care for personal gain or loss. For example, Gopees when they heard form Narada muni that Krishna was sick out of head ach. For the remedy, Gopees were ready to offer the dust of their own feet to be smeared on the head of their beloved Lord. They didn’t care whether they would go to hell or any place more abominable than that. Simply, Gopees were concerned about the pleasure of Krishna. This is real attitude to serve the Sweet Lord Krishna.
Hare krsna mataji,
1. Can we wear deity pendants during menstruation? How about Nrsimha kavaca pendant?
Yes, you can
2. Can we wear kanthi-mala during periods?
Yes, you can
3. Can we read Bhagavad Gita and other holy scriptures during menstruation?
Yes, you can
These lines are from Vaisnava Etiquette manual under cleanliness and hygiene:
1. During their menstrual periods, matajis may visit the temple but they may not perform any item of Deity worship viz. arati, dressing, cooking, garlands or any other work that requires their presence in the deity room or kitchen, or any work that is directly connected to the deites (eg, stitching Deities clothes etc).
2. At this time, such matajis should avoid being in physical contact with anyone who is or will be involved in the service of the deities.
3. They may attend Tulasi Puja but may not offer Water to Tulasi Plant
4. Under All Circumstance chanting on one's Japa bead should continue. there can not be no material impediment to the chanting of the holy name.
5. As far as one's home is concerned, matajis should try to maintain the above standard where possible. In some cases it may not be practical and possible to do that, as there may be no one else available to do the cooking, etc. In such cases, matajis may do the needful to fulfil their domestic obligations and at the same time also see that their household Deities are cared for.
Also please read through this thread. http://www.iskcondesiretree.com/forum/topics/chanting-rules-for-wom...
Srila Prabhupada ki jai.
Hare krsna