Can women recite Ashtakshara mantra after Samashrayanam or should it be recited only after performing Bharanyasam?
Vidwan’s reply
Women can very well recite Ashtaksharam after Samashrayanam.
Mantra upadesam is done only during Samashrayanam; it is a must to recite this mantra if one has obtained upadesam through an Acarya. It is a part of the daily austerity.
Can Srivaishnava women wear garland made of Thulasi beads? Iskcon allows only those who wear thulasi bead garland to perform kainkaryam; as adiyen goes there to render kainkaryam, can adiyen wear it to perform service?
Vidwan’s reply
It is not customary for women to wear garland made of thulasi beads.
In our Srivaishnava tradition, one must wear the garland only after ceremonial purification. There are many rules for such purified garlands. It should be kept untainted like sacred thread.
Elders and Preceptors wear the purified garland during rituals and religious discourses.
