Menstruation and Hindu Rituals: There are different beliefs about women’s menstruation during Pitru Paksha. Traditionally, women do not perform Shraddha or Tarpan during this time, but science considers it a common process. What to do in such a situation…?
Pitru paksha rules during periods: Pitra Paksha has special significance in Hinduism. Just as any rite has different meanings, similarly it is also considered important to perform Shraddha Sanskar to provide peace to the ancestors. In such a situation, often the women of the house make food for the ancestors, in such a situation the question arises that if this tour comes to menstruation i.e. periods, what should be done? Is it appropriate to perform all rituals even during menstruation? To know many such questions, we talked about Dr. Ganesh Mishra, Jyotishacharya of Assam, let’s know about it in detail.
Why Pitra Paksha is considered important
The entire duration of Pitru Paksha is considered dedicated to the ancestors and during this time our ancestors come to the earth and take water and food through us. In such a situation, full devotion should be taken in the house so that the ancestors can get complete satisfaction and they can take food. The Pitru Paksha starts from the full moon date of the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month every year and runs till the new moon of the Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month. Pitra blesses us in this period of 15 days. This year Pitra Paksha starts from September 7 and it will conclude on 21 September on the day of Supreme Amavasya.
Should women perform Shraddha Sanskar during periods?
Usually men perform Shraddha Sanskar of their ancestors and there is a belief among Hindus that the Tarpan and Pindadan done by them is acceptable to the ancestors. But the daughters also participate in the Shraddha Sanskar of their ancestors and offer them bhog. In such a situation, if you get periods, then according to astrology, you are advised to stay away from some rituals. If you get menstruation during Pitru Paksha, you can pray to your ancestors and get the pundit offer and feed them sweets etc.
What to do if the monthly period comes on the date of the ancestors?
If you are not able to cook food due to menstruation on the day of your ancestor and there is no one at home other than you, then according to Jyotishacharya, it is believed that there is a big fast or festival, then you can do all the worship during periods. During this time, there is no loss or defect from the work done and you will get full results of Shraddha.
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There are different beliefs about performing Shraddha during menstruation
- It is said in the Puranas that during menstruation, one should stay away from any worship and rituals and since ancestors are dead souls, their place is like God, even in many places they are given more importance than God, so they should stay away from any rituals during menstruation.
- Also, different beliefs are prevalent in different places about this and in many places it is also believed that menstruation is a sign for any woman that she is capable of bringing a new life on earth, so even during menstruation, the ancestors’ shraddha can be participated. However, it can also be your personal decision as to what you have to do and what not.
Scientific reasons for not performing Shraddha during periods
- According to science, there is no argument like not doing any work related to Shraddha (how to worship during periods) during periods and science does not confirm it. According to science, periods are a common process and during this time any work related to religion depends on your personal desire.
- There are different arguments in astrology and science about whether women should do Shraddha’s deeds during periods and you can also consult an astrological specialist before deciding on it.
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