~ Why Menstruating Women Are Considered Impure In Hinduism? ~

[MysteRy]

Why Menstruating Women Are Considered Impure In Hinduism?

Most of us have been scolded by our mothers at least once for entering the pooja room of the house when we are down with our periods. Menstruation seems like the most annoying thing because according to Hindu traditions a woman is considered impure at this time.
According to the traditions, if a woman is in her periods she is not supposed to enter the temple or pooja room in the house. She should keep a distance from others in the family, should not was or comb her hair, should not touch pickle, should not put on kajal or any type of makeup, should not enter the kitchen. In short, a woman should lead a simple life during menstruation.

During the old times, women were actually kept secluded in a dark room at the time of menstruation. A menstruating woman was supposed to wear only a piece of cloth throughout the days of the periods, keep her hair uncombed, avoid talking to anyone, eat simple food, sleep on the floor and avoid touching anything that is considered pure. This is the reason why women on periods are exempted from performing any pooja or do any housework.
But are you aware of the reasons why menstruating women are considered impure according to Hinduism? Read on to find out some amazing facts.



Draupadi Disrobed



In Mahabharata, when Yudhisthir lost Draupadi in the game of dice and Dussashana went to bring Draupadi down to the court, she was in her periods (Rajasvala). She was living in a secluded room wearing only a piece of cloth. This shows that there were a lot of restrictions regarding menstruation at that time. Insulting a woman in such a state was considered to be the highest form of sin.

[MysteRy]

Indra's Sin



Once due to Indra's growing arrogance, his Guru Brihaspati left the Heaven in anger. As a result, the demons attacked and captured the throne of Indra. Realising his folly, Indra went to Lord Brahma for help. Brahma said that Indra would have to serve a Brahma Gyani for appeasing his Guru. So, Indra went on to serve a Brahma Gyani. The Brahma Gyani happened to be a son of an Asura and hence he offered the sacrifice in havan to the asuras instead of the Gods. Indra grew very angry and killed the Brahma Gyani.

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Indra Hides In A Flower



After killing a Brahma Gyani Indra was accused of killing a Brahmana. This sin kept on following Indra wherever he went in form of a demon. So, Indra hid himself in a flower and started praying to Lord Vishnu for years. Lord Vishnu appeared and freed him from the demon. But the sin was still on his head.

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Indra's Sin Divided



To get rid of the sin, Indra requested the trees, land, water and women to divide his sin into parts and take it on themselves. In return he promised to grant a boon to each of them. So, the trees took one-fourth of his sin and Indra promised that they could regrow from their roots. Next the water took another part of his sin and was granted the boon that water would have the power to purify every thing. Third the earth took apart of his sin and was blessed that any kind of blow on earth would get easily healed on its own.

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Why Women Cannot Enter Temples?



Finally women took a part of Indra's sin which resulted in menstruation. Women would be impure for the time while she menstruates. In return, Indra granted the boon that women would enjoy sexual pleasure more than men. So, because women took the sin of Indra, women menstruate once in a month and are under the accusation of killing a Brahman (Brahma Hatya). Therefore they cannot enter the temple at the time when they are menstruating.

[MysteRy]

Reasons Behind Seclusion



The first reason why women were kept secluded is that at the time of menstruation, a woman is more prone to get affected by infections. Therefore she was kept in a different room to avoid getting infected. Secondly, women are barred from doing housework at this time because a woman's body becomes very weak and needs good amount of rest. That is why it is advised that women excuse themselves from housework and take rest in a room. They are also advised to stay away from other people because at the time of menstruation, a woman's body generates negative energy which can also affect the people around her.

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Twisted Traditions?



A few menstrual traditions are followed keeping the woman's health in mind. But a lot of traditions are only based on superstitions. For example if a menstruating woman touches a bottle of pickle then it gets spoiled. Secluding a woman at this time doe not mean that you behave like an untouchable. Menstruation is a sign of a healthy woman. It is not something which a woman should be ashamed of and putting such restrictions solely based on superstitions actually makes the existence of the woman all the more humiliating.

[MysteRy]

Can You Pray During Menstruation?



There is a simple answer to this. Like you can think of anything good or bad, speak sweetly or harshly or express happiness or grief. In the same way you can pray to God in any condition and in any way you like. If traditions exempt you from touching the idol, just recite the name of God in your mind. Your spirituality cannot be polluted by a physical condition.

[MysteRy]

Menstruation In Islam



In Islam also a woman is considered to be impure when she is in her periods. A menstruating woman is not allowed to pray or touch the Quran. A woman also cannot observe fast during the holy month of Ramadan if she happens to be in periods.She is not sent out of the house during the time and only after taking a bath on the seventh day, she is considered to be purified.