Can women read Vishnu Sahasranamam during periods?
The majestic Vishnu Sahasranamam, a stotra chanting the thousand names of Lord Vishnu, resonates as a powerful tool for spiritual growth. But a lingering question arises, particularly for women: Can women recite the Vishnu Sahasranamam during their menstrual cycle?
This article delves into this topic, drawing insights from the wisdom of the Shastras to empower women on their spiritual journey. We’ll explore traditional views, practical considerations, and various approaches for incorporating the Vishnu Sahasranamam into your practice, regardless of your menstrual cycle.
Power of Vishnu Sahasranamam
धर्मार्थकाममोक्षाणाम् सर्वसिद्धिकरं परम्।
विष्णुसहस्रनाम स्तोत्रं श्रोतव्यं नित्यं हि सर्वदा।।
For attaining dharma, artha, kama, and moksha, the supreme bestower of all accomplishments is the Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra. It should be heard daily, always.
नारायणं स्तौति य इदं स्तोत्रं पुण्यं परमं जपेत्।
तस्य सर्वेऽर्थसिद्ध्यन्ति विष्णोः प्रसादात्परंतपः।।
One who chants this supremely holy stotra in praise of Narayana, all his desires are fulfilled by the grace of the supreme Lord Vishnu.
पापानि सर्वशमनानि चाप्यभीष्टदायकं च तत्।
विष्णुसहस्रनाम स्तोत्रं सर्वदुःखविनाशनम्।।
The Vishnu Sahasranama Stotra destroys all sins and grants desired objects. It is the destroyer of all miseries.
The Vishnu Sahasranamam offers a multitude of benefits for anyone who connects with it, regardless of gender or menstrual cycle:
Cultivates Inner Strength: The names of Vishnu invoke qualities like courage, perseverance, and peace, fostering resilience within the chanter.
Promotes Inner Harmony: Vishnu’s role as the preserver brings a sense of inner peace and balance, especially valuable in today’s fast-paced world.
Enhances Well-being: Chanting is a meditative practice known to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting overall well-being.
Deepens Devotion: The core of the Vishnu Sahasranamam is devotion. Reciting it allows you to connect with the divine on your own terms, fostering a deeper spiritual connection.
Menstruation in the Shastras: A Spectrum of Views
नारी त्वं श्रद्धया युक्ता स्नात्वा नित्यं जपेत् पुनः।
मन्त्राणां शक्तिरित्येव न स्पृशेद्दोषकं कदा॥
A woman, endowed with faith, should always recite mantras after bathing, for the power of mantras is such that no impurity can ever touch it.
नास्ति सुतका स्त्रीणां रजस्वलानां च भक्तितः।
भक्त्या परमया युक्ता यदा यत्राभ्युपस्थिताः॥
There is no impurity in women due to childbirth or menstruation when they are filled with devotion. Wherever and whenever they are present with supreme devotion, they are pure.
भक्त्या संप्रवृत्यैव नारीणां नैव दूषणम्।
रजःकालमपि प्राप्य सदा पूज्यन्ति तत्पराः॥
Women devoted to worship have no impurity, even during their menstrual periods. They are always worthy of reverence.
न स्त्रीणां रजसा दोषो न मरणेन जायते।
भक्त्या परमया युक्ता यदा यत्राभ्युपस्थिताः॥
There is no fault in women due to menstruation or death. They are pure whenever they are filled with supreme devotion.
The concept of menstrual impurity finds mention in various Shastras. However, interpretations and associated practices differ across schools of thought. It’s important to understand this spectrum of views:
Some Shastras: Like the Yajnavalkya Smriti (1.70), prescribe limitations for women during their cycles, including restrictions on touching sacred objects and performing elaborate rituals in temple settings.
Other Shastras: Texts like the Garuda Purana (1.164-167) advise women to avoid specific rituals during their periods but don’t explicitly restrict the recitation of sacred texts like the Vishnu Sahasranamam.
A Guide for Women Seeking Spiritual Connection
Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to chant the Vishnu Sahasranamam during your cycle rests with you. Here’s a breakdown based on different spiritual approaches:
1. Advanced Sadhakas (Spiritual Realization): For individuals who have attained a higher state of spiritual realization through dedicated sadhana (spiritual practice), menstruation doesn’t hinder their spiritual practices, including mantra recitation. However, this level of spiritual attainment is rare.
2. Common Practitioners: Most practitioners haven’t reached such an advanced stage. Here, the Shastras recommend avoiding chanting mantras in temples or sacred spaces during menstruation. This stems from the belief that menstrual blood represents the potent creative energy of the Divine Mother. It’s considered respectful to avoid mixing this potent energy with rituals performed in temples.
3. Mantra Diksha (Initiation): If you’ve received mantra diksha (initiation) from a guru, you might be permitted to continue mantra recitation during menstruation with their guidance. Mantra diksha signifies a special bond between the disciple and the guru, empowering the disciple to perform spiritual practices under their guidance.
4. Without Mantra Diksha: Even without mantra diksha, you can still connect with the Vishnu Sahasranamam during your cycle. Here’s how:
Personal Practice: You can recite the stotra in a clean and comfortable space outside the pooja room or temple. Focus on the meaning of each name, deepening your personal connection with Lord Vishnu.
Japa: Engage in japa (repetition) of the Vishnu Sahasranamam in a relaxed setting.
Listening: If chanting feels uncomfortable, listen to recordings of the Vishnu Sahasranamam, allowing the divine names to resonate within you.
Bhakti Transcends External Factors
While some interpretations emphasize ritual purity, it’s crucial to recognize the core essence of the Vishnu Sahasranamam – bhakti (devotion) to Lord Vishnu. Many scholars argue that true devotion transcends external factors like the menstrual cycle. Below scripture from Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of internal purity and devotion over external rituals:
सुखं दुःखं समं कृत्वा लाभाल लाभं समं ज्ञात्वा मान अपमानं समं दृष्ट्वा सन्न्यासं तं विदुः ॥
He who sees with equanimity pleasure and pain, gain and loss, praise and blame, cold and heat, honor and dishonor – who is the same everywhere, who is devoted, possessed of self-control, firm in mind – that one is dear to Me.
The question of women and chanting the Vishnu Sahasranamam during menstruation can be seen as an ongoing conversation within Hinduism. While some traditional interpretations may have emphasized restrictions, one should focus on bhakti of Vishnu. By drawing wisdom from the Shastras, respecting traditions, and considering your own comfort level, you can create a practice that allows you to experience the transformative power of the Vishnu Sahasranamam during your menstrual cycle and beyond.
Embrace your spiritual journey, and may the wisdom of the Vishnu Sahasranamam guide you on your path.
Krishna Ashtakam