Why should women perform Acamanam? What is the proper way of doing it? What are the mantras to be chanted during Acamanam? Is there a rule for performing it? Can it be performed during menstrual period?
Vidwan’s reply
As per the general rule, after taking bath, wearing pure clothes, after cleansing hands and legs one has to do Acamanam, this is applicable even for women.
Marriage for women is considered like an upanayanam and hence women must perform Acamanam after their marriage.
Women need not sit like men while doing it and it is also not in custom to do so. Women can simply chant the name Acyuta, Ananta, Govinda, omitting pranavam, namaH and partake the tirtham thrice.
Can women recite Bhagavatam, Sundara Kandam, Bhagavad Gita in its original content?
Vidwan’s reply
As per our tradition women do not recite them in its original form.
What holy names of Perumal a woman should chant while applying Srichurnam and Thiruman?
Vidwan’s reply
Women must certainly chant the twelve names of Perumal and Piratti while applying Srichurnam and Thiruman. My preceptor had instructed to chant the appropriate names at the relevant place one applies the Thiruman. For example, after applying Thiruman in the forehead we have to fold our palms in supplication and chant Keshavaya NamaH, Sriyai NamaH.
Though it is stated women should also apply Namam in twelve places like men and also it is impractical for women to apply them in certain areas like fore arms, chest, neck instead they can chant the relevant names of Perumal and Piratti by folding their hands in reverence.
