Sthree Dharmam

Women do not recite Mantra, Kavaca shlokas generally; some recite the verse that worships Perumal excluding the angnyasa and karanyasa part.

Women can mentally perform Tiruvaradhanam for Acharya Paduka and Salagrama murthi-s. It is not a practice to touch them with their hands to perform Tiruvaradhanam.

There is no sankalpam for daily bathing for women and children. It is enough if they mentally invoke Emperuman during bathing.

Because the Vedas have said so. It is also mentioned in the Vedas that they must wear colored clothes that are not white. It is said so for them to appear pleasing and auspicious. Since Kunkumam is derived from turmeric, it is also considered to be specially auspicious.

It is superior to apply Tiruman along with Srichurnam and wearing Srichurnam alone is also not wrong.

Women are preached ‘amm’ instead of pranavam, they can repeat the same along with the Astaksharam.

No, women should not recite stotras during menstrual time.

As you have mentioned in the question, it is not a practice in our tradition for women to recite Sunadarakandam.

Though it is not wrong for women to perform samashrayanam and bharanyasam before marriage, it is not in practice with many families. A woman’s life begins only after marriage, before marriage her place is where she was brought up and her life is with the family she is with after her wedding. As her children are going to live along with her, she has to follow the tradition of her husband’s household. Samashrayanam and bharanyasam is not performed prior as she has to adjust with her husband’s family.

No one has said women must wear only Srichuranam and not Thiruman.

Yes, women can apply vermillion (kumkum) as srichuranam.

As per the scriptures, women must apply urdvapundram like a slant on the nose and it is said women must wear red and not yellow Srichurnam. Vedas have also mentioned this, so we have to follow what the scriptures have stated.

Widows can take oil baths except on Tuesdays, Fridays, and festival days.

It is not in practice for women of our smapradayam to chant Shrimad Ramayana or Mahabharata as saptaham or navaham; that is we do not invoke Emperuman on such holy text and recite, same applies to Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.

While doing Samashrayanam, the Acarya will instruct the women to adorn 12 Thirumann kappu and preach the respective 12 divine names. It would be difficult to wear 12 Thirumann every morning due to household chores, so it is not in practice, but it is not wrong to wear 12 Thirumann every day. Elderly women also wear only one Thirumann, hence we follow the same.

No, women should not wear thirumann, srichurnam, or flowers during menstrual time.

It is not a practice for women to recite Shrimad Bhagavatam.

Matter regarding bathing All women must take a head bath on Ekadasi day. After three menstruating nights, on the fourth day morning, all women must take a bath including a head bath. Married women must take a bath on the fifth day morning to eradicate anyA theetu. Married women must take a head bath on the morning of both the fourth and fifth days. On the days when the husband performs Tharpanam, the wife must take a bath. On the days of Ammavasyai, Masa-pirappu, Shraddha, if the husband has to do kainkaryam then the wife must take a head bath on these days. One must take a bath during Grahana Punya Kalam; Punya Kalam and Suddha Mandala snanam are a must. Apart from this Sumanagalis and Kanya women can take oil baths on Tuesdays and Fridays. During Thirukkarthigai, Kanu, Karadayan Nonbu, Adi, Thai Fridays are considered special for Mangala snanam. Don't s- Head Bath There are no days that are specifically mentioned for head baths sans oil baths. On days like Ammavasyai, Masa pirappu, Shraddham, Pitru Karya one must never take an oil bath even by mistake. For those women whose in-laws are alive and if they happen to participate in the pitru karyam for assisting the mother-in-law, even when the husband is not performing kainkaryam she can just take a head bath or if happens to do kainkaryam during the rituals for Pitru one must take a head bath but never take oil bath for any reason.

It is important to stay separate during menstrual time; if there is a facility for a separate washroom, it can be used by a mensurating woman; if not the washroom can be cleansed by sprinkling water mixed with cow dung after their use. If there is no separate room, the mensurating women should be at least 5-6 feet away from others. The blanket, pillows used by them and also curtains, and door mats have to be washed after the periods. Generally, food has to be cooked separately for them because they need not wait until Perumal Tiruvaradhanam is completed. This is the best. But due to the current situation where only two persons can be in a household, and if the male has to go out for work and have to manage the household and office affairs, cooking separately is not feasible. A menstruating wife can be served after the food has been partaken by men, women, and children of the house and after the food is sniffed at before serving. If there is a balance in food after serving it, cannot be reused by others. All the vessels that are in use during that time have to be cleaned. In general, it is stated that we should not look or talk to t a mensurating woman which is difficult if only two persons are present which means talking only when required, unlike the regular times. Make sure they stay separate. The clothes and the vessels have to be cleaned after they take a bath after menstruation.

Astadhyayi is a a part of Vyakaranam a Vedic component so women should never read them at any time. These days women who are Sanskrit students read Samanya Shastra. The wives of saints would have read them on in the days gone by and may not have done so during menstrual time. But it is not wrong to study them for exams and similarly for Amarakosha shloka and Sahityam.

All Kavaca Stotra provides meanings for the mantras, and it gives the meanings for anganyasa, karanyasa mantras so it is better for women not to recite these Stotras.

Can perform achamanam, but must not recite mantra-s. Can recite Stotram.

It is not a practice for ladies to recite Panchasuktam, Vishnu Sahasranamam, and Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.

It is not a practice for menstruating ladies to listen to online discourses and santhai lessons.

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.

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 weddings, Andal kondai is worn towards the left side.

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.

It is not a practice to recite Desika Stotram, Desikaprabandham, and Nalayira Divyaprabandham during menstruation.

Yes, women must avoid Pranavakaram while reciting Lakshmi Ashtothra Namavali.

No, it is not in practice for pregnant women to do Grihapravesam.

Women should not tie flowers during those times as per shastram. Men can learn to tie flowers.

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.

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

One should observe Ekadasi vratam during those times also; one can partake tiffin instead of cooked rice. One may not necessarily partake food in the morning during Dvadasi paranai; can partake food cooked without tamarind, though it is not considered paranai but observing Ekadasi vratam is a must.

Women are not allowed to chant any Gayatri mantra, instead can recite Garuda Dandakam.

In general, it is not in practice for Sumangalis to fast the whole day during Ekadasi; they can partake food instead of cooked rice. Moreover, feeding the babies is important for breastfeeding mothers, hence, they must partake food except cooked rice.

During the menstrual period, it is appropriate to change dress for young children, older children will change dress on their own. It is better to have one dress while being with the mother and another dress when being around grandparents. Where there is a will there is a way on such matters.

The soul does not possess any taints unlike the body; for instance, if our hands get dirtied, we do not say I am dirty. The taint in the body can be removed by cleaning it with water. As we are the body for Emperuman, though the body gets tainted, Emperuman will not be tainted so He resides there always. During menstrual time it is better to avoid cooking; instead of buying food from outside, we can get food from any Srivaishnava house, or else we can prepare rotis beforehand and request someone to serve; self-serving is also considered secondary but it is way better than self-cooking. It is not appropriate to cook during those times, so preprepared rotis or chapatis can be used during the menstrual period. When cooking for oneself is wrong, cooking food for others is prohibited; you can be firm in not cooking rather than adjusting to error. A patni adheres to dharmic following alongside; if a husband does not follow dharma, the wife should guide him to dharmic way. One should chant the divine names of Emperuman to remove the negative thoughts. One has to practice again and again to remove negative thoughts. The frequency of negative thoughts can be decreased by chanting the divine names repeatedly. Notes: We have to stress the importance to young girls on why they should stay separate during menstruation. As Emperuman never leaves anyone anytime, He still resides inside even during menstrual time. As He resides inside, the physical and mental stress and mood swings during that time are somewhat comforted as Emperuman is a witness. It is His arrangement that we have to take rest separately and highlight to them the effectiveness of our habits.

During menstruation, there will be physical restlessness and difficulties. At a mental level, there will be other worries and sorrows. To have a complete rest from all of these, they have prescribed menstruating women to be separate. It is true these days one is not burdened with domestic chores similar to the days gone by. There were no gadgets and devices for the various domestic chores in those days, which added to the burden. There was a need to rest from the burdensome activities. Even today, many travel and go to work and no one is asking to put a stop to these. When one returns home, in addition to the need for rest, impurities related to the mind, and physical body needs to be considered. Some might be mentally impacted causing contradictory thoughts to arise. Our home is the place where Perumal is residing at, where Perumal Tiruvaradhanam is conducted, it is a place where prasadam for Emperuman is prepared, a place where we partake prasadam – we associate all aspects of household living with Perumal. This is the reason why we wash the entrance of the house and draw kolam. Hence, to disengage menstruating women from aspects related to Perumal to maintain purity and for them to remain pure and restful, they were asked to live separately.

On maasikam, sraddha, and amavasyai days, the wife of kartA must wear only the pure clothes that were hung out to dry after sunset the previous day. It is not a practice to wear a 6 yards saree in a 9 yards saree fashion. Only 9 yards sarees must be worn. Notes: Usually, it is not a practice to wear silk sarees on days such as maasikam, sraddha, and amavasyai. Since the silk sarees contain zari and some are not appropriate variety. Some types of ordinary zari must not come into contact with vessels at home. Cotton saree does not impact such deficiencies and it is better to wear only cotton sarees. In some households, it is a practice to wear silk sarees on maasikam, sraddha, and amavasyai. Even those silk sarees must be washed and dried after sunset on the previous day. Follow the practice of the respective households.

It is not in practice for women to recite Lakshmi Gayathri mantra.

Yes, it is correct to wear the srichurnam and Thiruman the way it is mentioned in the question. Widows do not apply vermillion and turmeric.

The kolam is drawn as given below.

Yes, she can participate and partake its prasadham.

The answer provided is only based on sthree dharma; Women need not have garlands while doing japa, they can easily keep count with their fingers. Acharya would have initiated the proper form to do japa during mantropadesam. Excluding the thumb, if you count with the other four fingers in a clockwise direction, the tally would be 10; that is you should start your count on the index finger from down and when you reach your middle finger the total would be ten; you can count by keeping tabs mentally in this method. Generally, women do japa till 108 times and not more than this. So, this method of counting is easy; our elders also follow this method.

After the menstruation period, on the fourth day, it is a practice that a lady should look at her children only after partaking some type of food. This practice of taking rice or salt or tamarind on the fourth day has a scientific reason. Women have a lot of work like washing their clothes etc on the fourth day, while doing such chores they might not take food for an extended period; taking any of these will prevent acidity. For convenience’s sake, we take raw rice or salt; that is one can take any salted item before continuing with other chores; it is difficult to cook a salty food item at that period hence this has been in practice. It is not a compulsion that one must take raw rice, tamarind, or salt, one can take any other raw food and proceed to do the chores. Though we can understand this scientifically, it is suitable to trust sampradaya and take raw rice or salt, hence this practice.

It is not a common practice for women to recite the Apamarjana Stotram of Sri Vishnu Dharmam. But if elders of some households have this practice, one can follow such practices.

It was never in traditional practice for women to learn and recite Sundarakandam and Bhagavad Gita. Our elders do not practice that which is not in tradition. We always follow what our tradition has ordained us. In these modern days, some do recite, it is up to an individual to follow appropriately.

It is not wrong for a wife to visit nearby temples which are not Divya Desam temples within the first year of her husband’s demise but if she feels not to visit temples during that period, no harm in it.

No, women should not sound the divine bell as it is not in practice.

Narayaneeyam is a strotram composed by Narayana Bhattadri, anyone can recite Narayaneeyam as it is a stotram. There is a Narayaneeyam in the Mahabharata and Sanksepa Ramayanam is presented in the Ithihasa, hence women do not recite these as per the tradition. But in these modern-day recitations are in vogue.

While doing a housewarming ceremony, we always choose a date based on the comfort of women. The wife plays a crucial role in a house and she is also the head of the house. To avoid wandering during pregnancy and pregnancy is like a vratam, people do not shift houses at that juncture.

If a festival occurs on the fourth day, the woman must not cook food for offering to Perumal, but they are allowed to wear new dresses, and firecrackers if it is Deepavali, eat sweets, and celebrate the festival.

Generally, one should not take an oil bath during Anyaa theetu. Some households have the practice of taking an oil bath during Anyaa theetu. It is better to follow the respective practices of the household.

When a girl attains puberty, we should make her seated and offer her milk and banana. The banana should be cut into small pieces, she should take the banana piece first, and then we offer her milk. We can ask the younger boys in our home to hand her the milk and banana. If the elders give then they have to take bath before proceeding with other duties. If there is no one at home, the mother can place the milk and banana near her and ask the daughter to take them on her own. There is a custom of giving manjal pongal on that day to the girl. Rice and Toor dal are cooked to a Pongal consistency with turmeric, ginger, pepper and cumin. On the next day, any food made with Ulundu like vadai or rice has to be given. On the third day, kunukku made of rice and fried in oil and appam should be given. On the fourth day, she should apply oil on her head (on her own) and do a head bath. If she could not do it on her own, married women can do so. Then she is made to sit on a plank and nalangu should be applied and she shall be given a new set of clothes (pavadai dhavani), jewels and flowers are to be worn. In certain households they have a tradition of warding off evil by holding a lighted lamp from her head to toe. Then a gift is given from her uncle, which is gift from the girl’s mother’s side and also from her relatives. Importantly the girl is given puttu (a sweet dish) to eat. Some houses give puttu on the first day and some give it on the fourth day after the bath. At the end, this can be concluded with manjal neer (turmeric water) and mangala song.

No, women should not perform camphor harathi or worship the same in the Srivaishnava tradition.

It is not a practice for the women to read Pancharathra Granthams.

There is no compulsion that married women should decorate and worship Thulasi maadam every day. If there is a Thulasi maadam, there will be a small space in it and one can simply light a lamp as there are no specific rules. One can meditate upon Goddess Mahalakshmi and recite Lakshmi slokas.

It is not in practice from the olden days for women to recite Sundarakandam or participate in a santhai of Sundarakandam, but they can know its meanings and listen to its stories. There is a specific regimen for reciting Srimad Ramayanam. Emepruman is invoked in the book and offerings are made. The book is placed on a wooden plank with reverence and recitation is done during the olden days. Women are not allowed to practice this tradition though times have changed. But this ancient practice is not in vogue now.

No, women do not recite Sri Suktam.

Women should do Acamana only after taking bath, wearing clothes, and applying Srichurnam on the forehead.

One must do Acamanam before chanting Ashtakshara japam. There is a specific dhyana slokam for chanting Astaksharam, Dwayam, and Carama slokam. The concerned Acarya would have taught it. After reciting the dhyana slokam women can do japam and there is no sankalpam as such for these.

A woman should apply Thirmankappu below her eyebrow in a small v shape and red srichurnam should be applied from the base of the brow until the parting space on her forehead in a straight line.

During Ammavasai turmeric should not be used for cooking. But Sumangalis should use turmeric in their bath every day be it any day.

Many Paramaikanthi-s do not conduct Sumagali prarthanai but some households follow their elders’ custom in conducting it. As this is an auspicious function it has to be conducted on any auspicious days devoid of Ashtami, Navami tithi, and Bharani Karthikai nakshatram.

Women of our sampradayam do not wear glass bangles as it does not conform with the orthodoxy. It is used only during poochadal and seemandam and women are allowed to wear them just for the sake. Orthodox households do not allow women wearing glass bangles to do household duties.

It is not in custom for women to touch the box kept for Perumal. Women do not touch the box even though the box is made of wood and Perumal is kept inside the box; it is not known what impurity might befall when a woman touches the box; as it is revered as Koilazhwar with a separate sanctum, it is not a practice for women to open Koil azhwar.

Yes, women can participate in shraddham after taking the anniyaa theetu snanam.

Alavandar wrote Stotraratnam, not Jitante stotram. There is no doubt that all can recite stotrams of Alavandar. Though some might say it is like Vishnusahasranamam, Jitante stotram is equivalent to Vedas, hence it has certain rules. As per traditional observance women should not recite this.

There are two types of deities, the consecrated and non-consecrated. If it is consecrated, only men can perform upacharams as per the ordains. They should touch the deities only after taking bath in the morning, after performing sandhyavandanam and before partaking food. If the deities are not consecrated, then any one can touch the deities and adorn them with new clothes.

There is no specific vratam for women during Mahalayapaksham. They can assist in chores if elders of the house perform mahalaya tharpanam. As mahalayam is like a shraddham, those who help during that period should keep themselves pure.

Scriptures have instructed that women should not chant pranavam when it appears in a mantra. In Sahasranama, pranavam does not appear in any of the thousand names but it is included in the recitation at some places; so, it is not a compulsion that it should be chanted along with the nama and can be omitted.

As per the scriptures one should stay secluded for five days and after taking head bath, we can do the regular chores. But if one is mentally not prepared, they can refrain from doing the regular chores like cleaning Perumal sannidhi, drawing kolams, lighting up lamps. Women are allowed to do their usual chores until 15 days but if the periods extend after fifteen days too, then it is considered as vizhuppu. In that case one has to remain separate for the next three days. It all depends on one’s family situation as well, if there are people to help at home then they can take care of the domestic chores or take decision as per the mental comfort.

Turmeric thread is considered very auspicious. It is mentioned as ‘mangalyam tantu’ in the wedding shlokas. Swami Desikan said ‘mangalya sutram iva’. Gold is also auspicious like turmeric thread, hence these days gold is preferred to that of turmeric. But scriptures had instructed to wear turmeric thread so we cannot alter them to our convenience. Like how Yagnyopavitam is to men, mangala sutram is for women. Swami Desikan states it as Bibhrathi. One must wear it always in turmeric thread and not in gold.

As per our tradition women do not recite them in its original form.

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.

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.

A woman should observe three days of asaucam following the death of a father or mother. She can help the brother or the karthan by assisting physically in cooking or aid monetarily for the ceremony during masyam and shrardham days.

If we draw Perumal and Thayar in kolam, it will be disheartening when we wipe it clean, more over we should be mindful that our legs do not come in contact with the kolam so it is better to avoid such drawings.

When we are physically unwell or tired, our energy level is very low. At times, even negative thoughts are also result. During such times, it is better that we do not spread negative energy to others. When the physical body is greatly impacted and when negative thoughts pervade mind, it is not appropriate to visit temple. That is, the Agamas have said that during such period, it is not right to worship Perumal or perform tiruvaradhanam; doing so might result in severe offences being committed. This is applicable to both Men and Women. Scientifically speaking, menstrual period is when negative energy is in abundance. To provide rest for the weak mind and body, this type arrangement has been put in place. With noble intentions, it is said that one must take rest during this period. Even with many advantages during present times, it is advisable to accept the benefits provided by the scriptures. She can be convinced with the modern-day approach initially and later she can be taught about our tradition. You can try talking with her using logic like “Usually when we ask you visit temples, you will not come and when we say not to visit temples at certain times you oppose”. When we are sick our energy level is down and at times, we have negative energy so it is better that we do not pollute the environment with our negative energy, so we can prohibit ourselves in visiting temples at this period. (In their words, “We must not pollute/liter the environment, we have to save our environment”. These are socially and morally accepted claims by the kids today). Above all, parents should sincerely pray to the Divine Couple for the well-being of the child. Father shall recite Vishnu Sahasranama every day and mother shall recite Sri Stuti, Bhoo Stuti and Godha Stuti for the child to tread the proper path.

Yes, women can recite Prabhandam.

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.

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.

In our tradition, it is not a practice to recite the original verses, but it can be read as a story.

Women can chant Ashtakshsara mantra after Samashrayanam.

As per the tradition, one needs to stay away for three nights and after taking bath on the fourth day, we come for routine work. But the fourth day is also considered impure. Though there may be physical discomfort after the fourth day, one need not remain separate. There is no need to stay separate until the fifteenth day while days sixteen and seventeen are equivalent to the fourth day of impurity. If the discomfort prolongs after seventeen days, then one must stay separate. While scriptures do not object one from lighting lamps or cleaning thiruvaradhana vessels and it is not wrong if one feels uncomfortable in doing this work, they can refrain from them, again it depends on one’s mindset.

Ekadasi fasting can be observed during the menstruating period. Notes There is no harm in chanting the names of Bhagavan.

Apart from observing Ekadasi vratam, one can observe other vratams for Perumal like Sravana vratam. Some observe vratam on Fridays and Saturdays. It is acceptable to observe other vratams for the sake of Perumal. Notes Some households have the practice of wearing charadu (thread coated in turmeric paste) commencement of Panguni by observing nonbu (a sort of vratam). One need not fast the whole day as some light refreshments are allowed. Vratam can be observed only with the consent of elders. Some Prapanna households do not have this tradition.

The mantra chanted during plucking Thulasi must be learned as a upadesham. Hence, it is not a practice for women to pluck Thulasi.

Women can recite ‘Koodarai vellum seer’ pasuram and chant Govinda nama while offering. Srisuktis of Purvacharyas (Questions - Answers)

Adiyen is a common term used for addressing both genders. While adiyen refers to self, adiyaal and adiyaan refers others. Notes: Dasi is the female equivalent of dasan, but in today’s context, that name does not bear good meaning hence it is not in practice. Thirumangai Azhwar had said ‘adicci’. The Sanskrit word Dasa is common to both genders and is used in Vedic rituals.

Scriptures say it is improper for women to recite Itihasas and Puranas, but they can listen to them a lot.

Women group alone cannot recite Divya Prabandam and Padhuka Sahasram at ancient temples. Notes: Scriptures do not prevent Andal goshti to recite Prabandam and Paduka Sahasram in many other locations. There are many specific rules at respective temples for Goshti parayanam.

Women can learn and contemplate them. Notes: These works of Desikan involve queries and discussions on esoteric matters, so it is considered improper to undergo kalakshepam.

No one must not recite Prabandam and Purvacharya slokas during that period. Notes: As we are traditionally trained to chant slokas from our younger age, they are in our mind always and we cannot control them as well. But during periods one should not chant them aloud.

Women must not perform Salagrama aradhanam as it is not ordained. Notes: Women can draw kolam, light lamps, and cook food to be offered to Salagrama Murthy.

Women should not chant Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam.

Daily recital of these slokas contemplating on their meaning is termed special as stated by our Acaryas like Swami Desikan. Notes: One must learn these slokas with meaning through kalakshepam of Shrimad Rahasyatrayasaaram, etc. from one’s preceptor. To aid the contemplation of the meaning of these slokas while reciting them, Swami Desikan has graced us with Tiruashtakshara Surukku, Dvaya Surukku, and Caramasloka Surukku. Sri Parashara Bhattar has blessed us with Ashtashlokini on this. But it is better to learn these meanings through kalakshepam.

Madi refers to ceremonially pure clothes Paththu generally refers to cooked rice. Because it sticks to hand, it is called Paththu (paRRu). Anything that is stored along with cooked rice, will also become paththu. If stored separately, only cooked rice is paththu. While serving palahaara, pathhtu should be avoided and any items stored along with cooked rice must not be consumed. Notes: MaDi: Our body and clothes are tainted and impure when we lie down in our bed during nighttime. To remove the impurity, we need to take bath and wash our clothes and hang them to dry in a clothesline. One must not touch with hand or any part of the body, the clothes put out for drying. Only after purifying ourselves should we take the clothes from the clothesline wearing. Paththu Ghee, curd, milk, etc. are not considered paththu items Paththu and non-paththu items should not be mixed and are kept and used separately. For example, while serving food, after serving cooked rice, one must wash hands before touching the container that contains ghee. While preparing food, the place where the items are cooked must be different for paththu and non-paththu items. It is better if the stoves used for cooking rice and boiling milk are different. If unavoidable, clean the stove after cooking the food and before boiling the milk. Food with longer shelves like pickles, dosa/idli batter, etc., must also be kept separated from paththu items. Always must wash hands after touching paththu items and before touching non-paththu items.

Women are not allowed to touch the Salagrama. Ladies can provide relevant assistance during Tiruaradhanam. Notes: Some of the duties ladies can help with for Tiruaradhanam are - clean the dais or sanctum, draw kolam, wash Tiruaradhanam vessels, lighting lamps, gather flowers and fruits, prepare scented items (this includes powdering cardamom, edible camphor (pacchai karpuram)) for Perumal tirtham, prepare dhoops, etc. The most important duty is preparing the prasadams that are offered to Perumal during the bhojyasana of Tiruaradhan are prepared. One must prepare oneself by physically purifying, purifying the place around, chant Azhvar pasuram-s and prepare with sincerity, following the prescribed by scriptures.

Women can offer food to Salagrama Perumal, it is a must to offer food. Notes: Women should not ring the bell, like men while offering food; must not partake food without offering it to Perumal. Women shall offer the home-cooked food and contemplate that Perumal had accepted the offerings. This is the tradition that is in practice. Whatever we cook at home, we can offer it to Perumal by reciting mentally “koodarai vellum seer” pasuram and partake the offerings.

Maanaseeka aradhanma is a component of Perumal Tiruaradhanam. Women should not do manaseeka aradhanam at any period.

Women can certainly recite Swami Desikan’s Sri Kamasikashtakam Strotram.

Sumangali-s can observe Ekadasi vratam with the consent of their husband and if they could observe fast the entire day, they may do so. Notes: It is not wrong even if they could not observe fasting the whole day as they have to take care of many chores the following day. They are allowed to partake in light refreshments.

During a woman’s menstrual period, the food that was offered to Perumal should be served to elders of the household first and later that food can be served to her. Notes: The leftover food from the portion after being served to her, should not be used again. So, it is better to cook for her separately.

The detail provided here is restricted to Sthree Dharmam. When shaving is done at a household, women should include Toor dal in cooking on that day.

It is considered superior to offer food for Brahmacharis; a grishasta as per the ordained stipulations should wait for a guest to serve food and then partake it after serving a guest. If such is the case, it is not wrong to serve food to Brahmacharis as it is considered a noble deed. Those who have performed bharanyasam can do so but not particularly on a kumara shashti which is for a demi-god. Everything that is done has to be done for the pleasure of Bhagavan, not for any benefit.

Please refer to our previous issues regarding the daily austerities for women particularly the video Srivaishnava sthree dinacharya at our SudarshanamGSPK YouTube channel using the link below. When visiting a preceptor or going to the temple, one has to take something for offering as per their ability but should not go empty-handed. Hair should be combed and pinned up well; one should not leave the hair untied and one must wear thilakam on their forehead, preferably Srichurnam and Thiruman. Kumkum can also be used as a Srichurnam or red Srichurnam can also be used. Women should wear Srichurnam with their hair properly tied. One can take flowers, and fruits for offerings, if not some cash can also be offered. Swami Desikan has stated in Daya Shatakam even when one has absolutely nothing to offer but should possess the thought of offering something. Swami Desikan in his Srisuktis has mentioned “I submit my sins as an offering to Emperuman”. So, it is pertinent that one should have the thought of submitting the offerings and offer something as per their ability.

Both kanya and sumangali women must wear the masi nonbu caradu during the whole month of Panguni; if possible, they can continue to wear the caradu.

There is no proof that women had held the position of preceptors in our tradition.

It is not inappropriate for the wife to recite Arulicceyal during Tiruvaradhanam, if the wife feels she does not want to recite before her husband, she can do so separately.

Yes, they can certainly continue to learn, so that they may console themselves through learning the Sri Suktis Azhwars and Acharya-s.

There is no need that women have to particularly recite at the yagashala. Women has the right to recite Divya Prabandham and they can do it to their heart’s content. But there is no compulsion that it has to be recited at the temple or yagashala. Women can recite them when a yagna is not conducted but it is not a norm; one has to obtain permission from the relevant temple authorities while doing so, but as mentioned, it is not a must to recite at the yagashala. Women can recite Prabandham as much as possible at their homes to their satisfaction. Sudarshanam had already explained elaborately in the previous issues with regards to women reciting Vishnu Sahasranama.

Women can certainly distribute Perumal tirtham to the elders and children of the household when men leave early to office. Moreover men give tirtham before doing pariseshanam, while serving food women serves tirtham too. When such an opportunity arises, it seems that women can give tirtham to people at home.

While looking at the practise of our elders, seems that women are not prohibited from wearing chain made of black beads. But adiyen had seen and prostrated elderly SriVaishnava women wearing black beads in their chain. Elderly women wear it. Women of Tamil Nadu generally do not wear it with their mangalasutra. Looks like black beads are not prohibited.

There is nothing equivalent for women concerning this. But whatever we consume, it is appropriate to offer them to the antaryami before partaking it. It is better to chant the name of Govinda before eating, both women and kids should chant the name Govinda before taking the first morsel of food.

Women can learn about acamana through the practice followed by elders. One need not worry about the references provided by Ithihasa or Purana. The tradition followed by our elders is proof. The method to do acamana can be learned from the video attached for question Q36KAR2029.

Yes, they can certainly wear manjal kappu and kungkumum on their forehead over Thiruman and Srichurnam.

It is not wrong to recite Hanuman chalisa but reciting stotras written exclusively by our preceptors is deemed better.

It is not in practice for Andal gsohti alone to recite in temples. In recent times in newly constructed temples women have been included to recite stotrams. But it is not in our tradition to recite gadya-trayam as Andal goshti alone.

Unmarried Srivaishnava girls should wake up by chanting the name of Hari, after personal cleansing one should plait the hair, apply Thiruman, and wear jewels. After lighting the lamp at the sanctum of Perumal, one must recite Acarya thanian, pasurams, and other shlokas. similarly this can be repeated during the evenings. One can spend time learning new shlokas, listening to upanyasam-s. One must obey the words of elders especially, unmarried girls; they should help the elders of the house so that they can lend an extending hand once they get married. This helping trait shall be useful in nurturing household values and fostering tradition. Some do not perform samashrayanam before marriage as the Acarya might vary when one gets married. If they had performed samashrayanam one must daily chant the mantra initiated by the Acarya. It is the absolute grace of Emperuman that you have obtained the thought of becoming a Srivaishnava. Until you are blessed with a noble preceptor you can continue to chant the divine names of Emperuman. Chant Hari while waking up, chant Pundarikaksha while taking bath, chant Govinda while partaking food, and chant Madhava while going to sleep. If you are a singer, you can learn songs on Emperuman. You can recite stotras and Prabandham. Draw kolam before the picture of Emperuman, light up lamps, and offer flowers and worship. Listen to upanyasam-s and pray to Him for association with a preceptor, he shall show the way.

Women should chant all the twelve names of Perumal and Thayar while although they apply only to the forehead and nape.

Please refer to Sudarshanm’s youtube channel “NithyaKarma of SriVaishnava Women” video on the daily austerities for women. During a new month, one can cook food that is usually cooked during sraddham, certain households avoid Toor dal and turmeric on these days. Certain other households cook festive food, so please follow the tradition of one’s household. Notes: One should avoid vegetables that are not prescribed especially during the new month. For those who prepare sraddham-like food during the occurrence of the new month, One can use moong dal, urad dal, cumin, pepper, ginger, curry leaves, coconut, jaggery for cooking. Some do ‘poricha kuzambu’, vegetables like Colocasia, raw plantain are seasoned by powdering urad dal, pepper, coconut, and curry leaves. Satramadhu can be done similarly. Vegetables that are used during a sraddham can be used during new month as well. Raw plantain, bitter gourd, Colocasia are the prescribed vegetables. It is important not to use turmeric for cooking. Thirukannamadhu is important and can be cooked using jaggery which can be offered to Perumal.

Women can certainly recite Sudarshana Shatakam.

We will not accept Coconut,betel leaf, areca nut, fruits that are offered to Devathantars. Full coconut that is given with tambulam can be used for cooking. Notes: It is always better to offer those that are obtained from our earnings for Perumal Tiruvaradhanam.

They are allowed to keep Golu, but they cannot offer tambulam on their own.

Stotram Prabandham, etc. must not be recited from the moment one knows the period has started. Only on the fourth day, after the passage of three nights, and after taking bath can one recite them. Elders have mentioned many details that are to be followed and avoided during the period. Let us look at a few important details. As per the scriptures, a menstruating woman must be in a separate living quarter the moment she becomes aware. She must be separated for three nights and only on the morning of the fourth day is she allowed into the house after taking bath. Being separated on the three days means that she should be at least six feet away from others in the household. On all three days, the cloth and vessels used by the lady must be kept separated from the rest of the household. On the fourth day after washing and drying them, they must be kept aside for use during the next cycle. A married woman will not have regained the qualification to carry out all the household duties on the fourth day. She must consider herself tainted on the fourth day. She should not light the lamp for Perumal and should not come into contact with vessels in the kitchen. Elders will not partake food prepared by her. If only kids were present in the house, she can cook for them. On the fifth day, after taking bath, she regains the qualifications to perform normal household duties. If the menstruation continues beyond the fifth day, no need for her to be kept separate. Usually, there is no need to be separated until the fifteenth day. Asaucam period is calculated after fifteenth day. After eighteenth day, she must be physically separated; this is as per the determinations of the elders.

To retain the Sungali status, 22nd sloka of Srigodastuti, dUrvAdaLapratimayA tava dEhakAntyA gOrOcanArucirayA ca rucEndirAyAH | AsIdanujjhita shikhAvaLa kantha shObhaM mAngaLyadaM praNamatAM madhuvairigAtram || and the 12th sloka from the Mangalaakhyastabaka of Lakshmisaharam kanyE dugdhOdanvatastAvakInaM manyE rUpaM mangalaM mangalAnAm | yatsAvarNyaprAptabhadrA haridrA saumangalyaM saMvidhattE vadhUnAm || can be recited.

Divorce is allowed only by law and not by scriptures. After marrying a male, a lady is his wife for life. This cannot be altered scripturally, even though divorce is allowed by law. Hence, the scriptures do not contain any regulations to follow for those who have divorced. As per scriptures, a lady must perform the prescribed duties that are to be done along with her husband. This includes her duties for her in-laws that she must carry out. The moment a wife separates from her husband, she is unable to perform all the duties that need to be performed. It is wrong. Divorce itself is wrong. It should not have happened. There is no point in thinking or talking about other matters once this has taken place.

Ladies can recite the ‘vanamaali gadI shArngi’ and ‘sri rAma rAma rAmEti’ slokas. Srisuktis of Purvacharyas (Questions -Answers)

The periods if it occurs before 1am should be considered the same day; if it is after 1 am it is considered the next day.

Children can be given oil baths during Adi-festival. Some believe that since Dakshinaya punyakalam occurs during Adi-festival, women take hair bath; some household elders permit taking oil bath so it is better to follow the practice of an individual household.

There are no separate rules for working women and non-working women. All women should follow the prescribed rules. Many working women balance the practice of following the virtues and working. There is no harm in doing so.

Yes, it is right to change the caradu on suitable days at proper time avoiding rahu-kalam and yama kantam. Exceptions are for Tuesdays and Fridays.

There are no norms that they should eat cooked rice at night. During days like Ammavasai, it is specified for a few to take tiffin. However, Sumangali women are exempted from this. Some households still follow the practice of women, children eating rice at night. As they feel on those days, where Sumangali Women and children should not eat palakaram(tiffin) alone, and partaking tiffin may get counted as palakaram. To avoid that they are having the habit of eating rice at night. Though this is not stipulated by scriptures, it is not wrong to follow this practice as a cautionary approach.

Head bath with oil must not be taken before sunrise on all days except on Deepavali day. Working women can take a head bath with oil on any holiday after sunrise. But on certain unavoidable times or during festival days women can meditate upon Emperuman and can recite Perumal Thirumozhi pasuram 2-2 provided here - Women can chant the divine name ‘Pundarikakshan’ and contemplate on Emperuman who resides in the sun while taking a head bath before sunrise though this is a secondary option only.

Women should not recite slokam during menstrual periods as it is not in tradition. One can contemplate on dwaya mantram anytime as it is accepted; but one should not do it intentionally by sitting exclusively to recite them during periods. It can be chanted during times of adversities but not with the intention of chanting during testing times alone. Although it is permitted, it is improper to chant dwayam during periods.

No, as per our tradition women are not allowed to trim their hair or eyebrows; but if the question arises pointing out the women are doing owing to current times, we can say they do it based on their karmic effects.

Women must not listen to upanyasams, do namasankeerthanam or read digital granthams during menstrual periods. Women can do all these usefully on other days and not on these three days. Women can spend their time meaningfully on the other days barring the period days.

No, the divinity of the Salagrama deities will never diminish because your grandmother had touched them. But women do not touch the deities as per the custom. Elders handle the deities only after performing the appropriate purification rituals. They do thirumanjanam with milk for purifying the deities. Women should not take this incident as precedence to touch the deities. Women can worship the Salagrama deities mentally and offer food in the same manner. Women can clean the place around the Salagrama box, decorate it with kolam and flowers, light up lamps but never touch the deities and perform thiruvaradhanam.

Yes, women can recite Kamba Ramayanam.

As per the scriptures, women can do all the chores even if the periods continue after five days. But if you feel uncomfortable going to a temple you can avoid it as there are no such stipulations.

Yes, it is considered special to apply Thiruman and Srichuranam during Shraddham and festivals. Srichuranam for women is red color, Some apply Kumkum instead of Srichuranam also. When we undergo samashrayanam, Acarya applies yellow Srichuranam during pundra samaskaram. Applying yellow Srichuranam is only on that day and red Srichuranam is applied on top of it. Women can continue to apply red Srichuranam, especially on shraddham day and festivals. Kumkum is also allowed. There is no harm in applying Kumkum on the parting of the hair, but it is sufficient if you apply Srichuranam vertically until the parting of hair. If women apply thilakam or dot instead of Srichuranam there is a practice of applying Kumkum on the parting of the hair.

Some say it can be recited while some say it should not be recited. It is better to follow the advice of their concerned Acarya. It is appropriate to recite any stotra or prabandham upon learning in sandhai format.

Garuda Panchasat can be recited for the cure. The phala sruti of the stotra states it could cure all kinds of ailments, the root of them is our mind. Swami himself has asserted the stotra has the power to cure all ailments. Hence reciting Garuda Panchasat will be a remedy.

Women do not perform Tiruvaradhanam as per the practice; only men are permitted to do so. When men are away, women can offer cooked food, clean the place altar, draw kolam, and offer flowers and light lamps as per the ordain. If there are books written on this subject one has to understand the actual context through relevant research. Rather than what is written, one has to follow what is in practice. We are following the traditional practices that had been in order. Women do not touch Salagrama deities as per the practice.

If an impurity happens, there is no need to take a full bath to light up a lamp in the evenings. Scriptures have prescribed different types of baths; there is one type of bath called mantra snanam and which has details that women should follow to perform mantra snanam. Sumangali women can mix water with turmeric powder and can apply them on the chin, hands, and legs, later they can sprinkle the same water around them and chant “Pundarikakshaya NamaH” and recite 2nd pasuram in 2nd padhigam of Perumal Thirumozhi. “thODulAmalarmangai thOLiNai thOyindum suDarvALiyAl nIDumAmaram serradum nirai mEyththadum ivaiyE ninaindu ADippADi arangavO! Enrazhaikkum toNDarippoDi ADanAperil, gangai neer kuDaindADum vETkai ennAvadE?” This is the mantra snanam prescribed for ladies. They can light lamps after performing mantra snanam. When women do not have time to take bath after returning home or if it gets late to return home, this practise of elders can be followed.

It was in practice those days that a widowed woman applied white Thirumann and yellow Srichuranam.

The common practices that women ought to follow are included in detail in the video available through the link below on SUDARSANAM YouTube Channel. https://youtu.be/yEjCBOD8d7w