It was encouraging to read few articles recently regarding injustice to women. We need to discuss more topics that could remove injustice to one section of community.
One issue that has concerned me for a long time is treatment of women during their menstruation cycle, which is a natural body function. In many customs they are locked in room and forbidden to attend or perform any religious function at that time due to fear of some god or goddess.
I can understand when humans were living in very close proximity to wild animals that women needed protection by staying in closed areas as animals would be able to smell blood easily and attack. But now we have moved away from fear of wild animals.
It appears some time in history this cycle was incorporated within religion and women have suffered since. Unfortunately women themselves have such deep fear engulfed in their mind that they would not agree to participate in religious function during their cycle.
I have asked this question to few priests and knowledgeable people but their answer has always been vague and quoting various teachings but never received a logical explanation relating to something which is a natural process.
I hope some learned readers could explain some valid reason behind such practices if there is any.
Suresh P Shah
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