Can a menstruating lady wash and clean vessels at home (Due to lack of domestic help)? If so, how to purify the cleaned vessels?
Vidwan’s reply:
Menstruating women must not clean vessels and it is an offence. Such cleaned vessels must not be used. If there is no choice but to use such vessels, one must slightly heat the vessels and purify them with cow dung. This approach is only an exception. But such vessels must not be mixed along with vessels used to prepare offerings for Perumal. It is better to avoid such a course of action.
I am 40 years old. During menstruation, can a quilt bed be used? Or choir mat with a mattress is used? I have back pain. If a quilt can be used, kindly advice how to purify it.
Vidwan’s reply:
Do not know whether the quilt can be washed with water. The clothes on which we sleep, and wear must be washed in water. If something cannot be washed with water, it is better to avoid it.
Since you have said that you have back pain, use a mattress specifically for the duration of menstruation. And use a separate set during the non-menstruating period. The bed used while menstruating can be kept aside after sprinkling with water.
During her wedding, to which side must a Srivaishnava bride wear the Andal kondai? Is it towards the left or right?
Vidwan’s reply:
During weddings, Andal kondai is worn towards the left side.
Until which shloka can ladies recite Vishnu Sahasranamam? As I have had this lingering doubt for a long time, I recited only the phala shruti until now.
Vidwan’s reply:
As per the traditions of old, ladies do not recite Sri Vishnu Sahasranam.
The reason is not clear as to the recitation of phala shruti alone, because phala shruti lists out the benefits of reciting a Stotram. Without recitation of Stotram, no meaning in reciting phala shruti alone.