Can women tie flowers using plantain string during abnormal times, such as menstruation (as the male folk does not know how to string flowers)? Can the menfolk offer such garlands to Perumal by sprinkling water on them for purification?
Vidwan’s reply:
Women should not tie flowers during those times as per shastram. Men can learn to tie flowers.
Can women recite the Stotram from Puranas like Kunti Stuti, Gopika Gitam, and Sristuti composed by Indra?
Vidwan’s reply:
There is no need for women to recite them in general as per the tradition. Elders did not impart them to women as per the practice. But these days it is been recited by some as a Stotram.
During Navaratri should the kalasam for Thayar be placed first before arranging marapachi (Wooden) dolls? Should women place the kalasam? Can a destitute woman arrange them if no one else lives with her?
Vidwan’s reply:
Some households follow the practice of arranging kalasam and marapachi dolls. Few other households arrange golu without this practice. There is no prescribed tradition for this. Follow the practice of the concerned household.
Only sumangali or young maidens can arrange the dolls, if no one resides with her then we cannot invite anyone to accept thamboolam. If there are no young maidens or sumangali at home, then the boys at home can arrange the dolls if not any young girls from the neighborhood can be requested to arrange the golu.
