How temples affect menstruation ?

Ayurveda is based on the tridoshas (bio-energies) that govern the functions of the human body. Of
the three types of doshas namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha, it is the Vata dosha that needs a closer
look to explain menstruation. Or more precisely, the sub-type of Vata dosha called Apana Vayu.
Apana Vayu is responsible for the downward movement of materials out of the body, including
excretory processess. The downward movement of Apana Vayu is what causes menstrual flow also.
Any disruption in this natural downward flow of Apana will also affect the motions that it controls.
All spiritual activity is aimed at uplifting our energy upwards. It is one of the reasons why we are told
to not eat anything before a puja or a visit to the temple. The process of digesting food and dispelling
it outwards necessitates the downward flow of Apana. If we interfere with this through spiritual
activity on a full stomach, both our excretory movement downwards and the upliftment of energy
upwards will be affected. In some cases, people who engage in continuous chanting for 5-6 hours,
experience difficulty in passing motions as the Apana is turned upward. Those pursuing the spiritual
path are therefore recommended to have light and raw diet of fruits so that there is minimal
interference with Apana.
So how can spiritual activity interfere with the process of menstruation?
If Apana Vayu is forced upwards in menstruating women, they could experience physical pain and
their flow could even stop. This is why menstruating women are told to abstain from all spaces
where the energies would reverse the downward Apana. If menstruating women visited ancient
temples (which are known to be powerful energy centres) repeatedly or performed certain types of
Yogasanas (such as inverted postures) during their period, they will most likely observe a change
and discomfort in their cycle.
Why Sabarimala restricts entry of all women who could menstruate?
Unlike other temples which only restrict menstruating women, the Sabarimala temple restricts entry
to all women of the menstruating age (10 to 50 years). This is not just to be on the safer side in case
menstruating women break the rule. To understand this, we need to understand what exactly
happens when people pursue Brahmacharya or absolute celibacy, as is required of every devotee
who wishes to enter the Sabarimala temple.
Brahmacharya is the state of transforming sexual energy with the intention of directing it upwards for
spiritual enlightenment. It is different from the western understanding of celibacy which talks about
mere abstinence from sexual activity.
Tantra substantiates its techniques of spiritual development on the control and channelising of
sexual energy.
While in men, semen is the fluid containing the sexual energy, in women it is the menstrual blood.
Both these have life giving properties and are considered potent. Practices which involve
Brahmacharya and attainment of spiritual upliftment transform the sexual fluids into subtle energies
which Ayurveda calls Ojas and Tejas. So if women followed Brahmacharya or came in contact with
energies which helped to transform their sexual fluid into subtle energies, what could happen?
If women took to practices which transformed their sexual energy, the menstrual flow would reduce
and ovulation might eventually stop. Obviosuly, this would affect their ability to reproduce. So while
women can definitely pursue the path of renunciation and follow practices that the Ayyappas do,
they should be aware and okay with the idea of not menstruating. If women stopped menstruating,
life would come to a stop. Could this be the reason why women of menstruating age are denied
entry into Sabarimala even if they are not menstruating?
The above explanation is not a belief to be dismissed or accepted. Afterall, if temples do negatively
impact menstruating women, we need to be aware and not leave it to a question of following one
religion or not. At least for the sake of curiosity if nothing else, let us dig deeper to really understand
whether or not temples actually impact menstrual cycles. Lets not reduce feminism to fighting for
things which we have no knowledge about, and worse still, might actually cause us harm.
- Excerpt from Mythri Speak (NGO working on women menstruation and healthy practise)