By Swami B.V. Tripurari (Bio) What are Hindu beliefs on abortion and genetics (stem cells, etc.)? According to Hindu scripture, human life begins when the male semen fertilizes the female egg. karmana daiva-netrena jantur dehopapattaye striyah pravista udaram pumso retah-kanasrayah (SB. 3.31.1) "By divine arrangement in accordance with the principle of karma, the living entity enters into the womb of a woman through the particle of male semen to assume a particular type of body." So there is no debate within Hinduism as to when life begins. Thus abortion involves killing, which in most cases is not acceptable. Although I have not studied the argument, it is likely that on similar grounds Hinduism would oppose stem cell research, which as I understand it is most effectively done on the stem cells of aborted fetuses. Oftentimes the women in my family are not allowed to go to the temple, practice pujas, or even go into the kitchen when they have their menstrual period. When I was in India, my aunt said she was "cursed" because she always got her period during important festivals, and could not participate in the ceremonies. Although it may have been hygienic in the olden days, now it seems pretty useless--after all, there are clean and sanitary ways to handle the situation. I would like to know where it states (in Hinduism) that women are not allowed to do anything during their period? And why do we continue to practice this seclusion even in these days; after all, isn't the menstrual cycle (which allows a woman to procreate) one of the most natural and important of bodily functions? Prohibitions regarding women's involvement in ritualistic worship during their menstrual cycle are implied throughout the scripture. At least this is how those who have formed lineages have interpreted sections of the scripture that discuss this period. The Bhagavata Purana for example attributes the menstrual cycle to one fourth the karmic reaction to Indra's inadvertent killing of a brahmana. According to that Purana, Indra killed a brahmana and was then chased by the karmic reaction to this killing. He then negotiated with four groups who each agreed to absorb one quarter of the reaction in exchange for a blessing. Women got the blessing that they could have sex during pregnancy without endangering the embryo in exchange for accepting the monthly menstrual cycle. sasvat-kama-varenamhas turiyah jagrhuh striyah rajo-rupena tasv amho masi masi pradrsyate (BP. 6.6.9) It is also stated in this Purana that one should not eat food seen by a woman during her monthly period, bhunjitodakyaya drstam (BP. 6.18.49). You may also find something about this in Manu Samhita. AR, This was taken off of beliefnet. I think it will get you started in your research.

Hinduism and Menstruation: This article takes a peek into the controversial issue of women attending Mandirs or being involved in puja during her menstrual cycle. This is somewhat of a controversial issue, but I believe the controversy is more within our minds than literal. From a biological standpoint, the menstrual period is a way the body rid itself of certain impurities. This can be view, literally, as a moment or period of uncleanliness. Hence, the belief that since it is unclean, the woman, also, becomes unclean. In the course of Puja, one must avoid all impurities and uncleanliness. Hence, men have always entertained the thoughts that a woman is unclean during her period and therefore, she should not be involved in puja during her cycle. Additionally, most men would abstain from sexual contact during a woman's period, because of due respect for her and because he may feel it is unclean. Personally, I do believe there are some forms of restrictions that must be adhered to. However, personally, I do not believe in preventing anyone from puja. With that said, I believe that even if a woman has her period, she may still attend Mandir or Puja, but to avoid any transgression, she may not partake or prepare the puja, during her menstrual cycle. This is cutting a thin line, but it does not deny a woman the opportunity to worship God, and still is within the perimeter of Puja. Why should a woman not attend Mandir because she may be considered unclean? This "uncleanliness" is a Divine proclamation or motherhood and should not be viewed with scorn. Yes, certain conditions must be met in regards to Puja, but if this is the criteria for uncleanliness, then all of us are unclean in some way or the other. Does this mean all of us should not do Puja? What does the Scriptures says about this? Like many others, I can quote several instances in the Hindu Scriptures that can be construed or interpreted in a manner to endorse a woman’s abstinence from puja during her menstrual cycle, but I can also quote many instances that endorse and highlight reverence of woman and motherhood. Women such as Kunti and Shabri, and women of their ilk remains a constant reminder that asserts us of women’s position in Hinduism. This goes without mentioning the embodiment of women’s greatness through the aspects of Sarasvati, Lakshmi and Durga. Pandit Roop Sukhram www.hindusource.com

The verse/translation for Srimad Bhagavata Purana 6.6.9 given above is incorrect. The actual verse has nothing to do with menstruation. Here is the verse: mauhÅ«rtikā deva-gaṇā muhÅ«rtāyāś ca jajñire ye vai phalaḿ prayacchanti bhÅ«tānāḿ sva-sva-kālajam Translation: The demigods named the MauhÅ«rtikas took birth from the womb of MuhÅ«rtā. These demigods deliver the results of actions to the living entities of their respective times.

During menstruation women are 'hygienically challenged' They are weaker and need rest (from daily chores). They are also unfit for sex. * In the olden days, for above 3 reasons they were segregated for 4-5 days during menstruation when there were other women to run the large joint household. The segregation ended with a major bath with fragrant oils, including washing the usually long hair. ** With improving & discrete hygiene in one-woman nuclear families, segregation is not practical during menstruation and is no longer a taboo. * * * Rest is just like it is in the West.