During the menstruating period, how many days should the women refrain from chanting stotram, Prabandham, etc.? It will be beneficial if stipulations to be followed during a menstruating period as a separate publication.
Vidwan’s reply
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.
Can we women recite Sudarshana Shatakam?
Vidwan’s reply
Women can certainly recite Sudarshana Shatakam.
Can the coconut in tambulam presented during Navarathri by those who are not Srivaishnava-s (Smarthas and others associated with demi-gods) be included in the food prepared by those who have undergone bharanyasam? Can we place the turmeric, areca nut, etc. in the Perumal sannidhi?
Vidwan’s reply
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.
A widow lives alone; her sons and daughters do not live with her. Can she arrange Golu and offer betel leaves and areca nut to the visitors during Navarathri?
Vidwan’s reply
They are allowed to keep Golu, but they cannot offer tambulam on their own.
