The Sabarimala Confusion - Menstruation Across Cultures: A Historical Perspective

by Nithin Sridhar

Menstruation across Cultures attempts to provide a detailed review of menstruation notions prevalent in India and in cultures from across the world. The world cultures covered in the book include Indic traditions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism; ancient civilisations like Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia and Egypt; and Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Two themes of special focus in the book are: Impurity and Sacrality. While they are often understood as being opposed to each other, the book examines how they are treated as two sides of the same coin, when it comes to menstruation. This is especially true in Indic traditions and pre-Christian polytheistic traditions like Greco-Roman, Mesopotamian and Egyptian. Impurity and Sacrality complement each other to form a comprehensive worldview in these cultures.

The book also examines how the understanding of impurity in Abrahamic religions differs from those of polytheistic cultures. As part of the examination of the sacrality attached to menstruation, a special focus has also been given to the deities of menstruation in polytheistic cultures and to what Ayurveda and Yoga say about this essential function in a woman’s physiology.

Finally, a comparative study of menstrual notions prevalent in modernity is presented, along with a Do and Don’t dossier.

Genres: Nonfiction, Hinduism

52 pages, Hardcover

First published December 25, 2018

Reviews

[Ajay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read book for everyone. Highly educating. I even attended author's book release session. Book is really interesting as i came to know so many views of Hinduism and Abrahmic. There are some photos too. i read this book in kindle.

[Satendra Thakur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Menstruation across cultures is a very informative book. It tells how menstruation was perceived across various Indic religions, Abrahamic religions, ancient western civilizations like Egyptian, Mesopotamian civilization,etc. and other indigenous communities.

It also disproves the notion, which is widely prevalent, that menstruation is perceived as something negative in Hinduism.
The topic came into limelight during Sabrimala case. Everyone started labelling traditions as oppressive, patriarchal and misogynist without knowing the reason why menstruating women are not allowed to enter the Sabarimala Temple. The reason is the deity of Lord Ayyappa which resides in the temple is in the form of Naisthika Brahmachari (the eternal celibate) and it has nothing to do with menstruation.
The books doesn't address the whole matter, which i think it should as it has 'The Sabrimala confusion' in it's name.

This books dispels many myths related to Menstruation 'taboos' using ancient texts and practises (which are still prevalent in certain regions) that show menstruation was considered as a purifying process and a sacred activity .

It is a well researched book which tells why women were secluded & were prohibited to perform religions activities during menstruation. It talks about various stories, folk tales and deities, etc. associated with menstruation. Almost all Indic religions and ancient western civilizations treated Menstruation as something sacred and they even celebrated Menarche.
Unilke Abrahamic religions like Islam and Christianity except Judaism which declares menstruation as evil, other ancient western civilizations never saw it as inherently evil, though some negative connotations and exaggerations were present.

But the present media, society and academia sees everything through the lens of western modernity and declares the scientific method as the supreme method labelling anyone with opposite viewpoint as 'narrow minded, unscientific & irrational'

Purely biological & scientific viewpoint delegitimizes the feelings of people, and the cultural and spiritual aspects associated with traditions. Though rationality is indeed needed it fails to provide cultural ethos & spiritual importance and sets limits to alot of things

It deals with historical perspectives of menstruation about which most of the current generation is unaware about but still it doesn't stop them from giving labels to religious practices.
The fault lies on us too as we have failed to learn about our culture and teach it to out future generations.
The mass media has taken the onus of themselves to educate children on how things are like
Buying 'Stayfree' or 'Whisper' pad will make everything normal and then you're ready to win 'gold medal' in Olympics the very next second.

We need to learn about our culture and take it to the public discourse so that it gets the respect it deserves. We should also point out whenever ancient practices are used to dehumanise female and are used a tool for their oppression and hinders the society.

It would've been better if some female viewpoints from ancient times was provided too. This book also tells about various practices which women should observe during menstruation.
We can discard some ancient practices which aren't feasible in the present time and follow most of the practices which we can.

Highly Recommended to anyone who's interested to read something different.

[Nishu Thakur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

[Abhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Menstruation Across Culture by Nithin Sridhar, a contemporary explorer and explainer of Sanatana Dharma, is a timely and excellent attempt to set the record straight about menstruation in the Indic tradition and compare it with ideas from different cultures past and present to put it into context.
Menstruation Across Culture is a deep and focused work on the practices and beliefs surrounding menstruation across various cultures. Nithin goes on to explore interpretations and practices about menstruation.
The book covers world cultures such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism; ancient civilisations such as Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia, and Egypt; and Abrahamic religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.The author draws context, facts and references primarily from traditional texts in support of his analysis.
As the book delves deeper into practises that became cultural identities, it's easy to see how the natural alignment of the female menstrual cycle with the cyclical phases of the moon served as a health indicator for women.
This book dispels this myth by painstakingly detailing the meaning and understanding of menstruation in the Hindu Shastras, as well as how it fits into the philosophy and schema of human life in general.
Undoubtedly, this is an enlightening read on a topic that has remained the reason for our existence and yet been the subject of innumerable taboos interpretations and reinterpretations. While it is an indispensable read for the serious history student, I also see it covering the range for parents from being a great conversation starter to being a springboard for deeper conversations with their children, helping them place this bodily phenomenon in a more universal context and enriching their stance on the relevance of cultural identities. As a history student i suggest others to read this book.

[Beloo Mehra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nithin Sridhar’s well-researched book, by facilitating a deeper awareness about the historical view of menstruation across various cultural and religious traditions, has the potential to address some serious misconceptions about cultural views related to the larger issue of gender equality as reflected through the topics of sexuality, fertility and menstruation, which can help prevent further cultural-uprooted-ness among younger generations of Indians, particularly young girls and women. The book compels the readers to first deeply examine and understand the essence of certain traditional practices and customs before getting into a conversation about how these practices can or should change over time.

In the past few years, we have seen a great push to promote menstrual hygiene and health in countries like India. In addition to the campaigns being led by various NGOs and other social agencies, the United Nations too has been supporting this important cause. However, it is equally important to situate these efforts in the appropriate cultural and sociological contexts. For example, behind many of the programmes there is an underlying assumption that girls and women in developing countries generally have poor menstrual health often resulting from lack of proper education, lack of availability of menstrual hygiene products, and the continued use of several non-scientific traditional menstrual practices. However, several comparative research studies find that this is not the case. Some field studies have also revealed that often the use of traditional menstrual hygiene practices by girls and women in many parts of rural India not only makes much greater sense for various reasons but also does not really have any adverse effect on the overall menstrual health.

The book helps readers move away from a superficial and sensationalist view of this sensitive topic of menstruation and menstrual health. It makes them more informed and sensitive about menstruation and its connection with overall health and well-being of girls, women, and ultimately the health of the society itself. It facilitates a critical and open-minded reader’s examination of some of his or her own biases and wrong assumptions about menstruation related practices in Hinduism resulting from either misinformation or misperception or both. The chapter which compares some of the ‘modern’ menstruation attitudes with the traditional Hindu attitudes is another important contribution which dispels many myths prevalent in modern minds about the ‘regressive’ nature of tradition versus the ‘progressive’ modern ideas. In this regard, the ‘Last Words’ in the book written by Madhu Kishwar make for an important reading.

Another key strength of the book is that it helps readers gain a deeper physiological and psychological understanding of menstruation and its related practices by bringing in valuable insights from Yogic and Ayurvedic traditions, and providing logical explanations for these practices. These insights on menstruation practices, restrictions and common menstrual disorders has a direct connection to most practical topics related to menstrual health and hygiene. Here we also find Sridhar citing a few important scientific studies that have been done to study the health benefits of the traditional Ayurvedic menstrual regimen called Rajaswala Paricharya. The findings suggest great benefit of following some of the prescribed restrictions, especially concerning diet, physical exertion, and sleeping routine.

For a detailed review, click: https://www.academia.edu/40792314/Men...

[Amitra Jyoti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hindu dharma has the concept of Ashaucha connected with Menstruation.Which means that the woman at that time will be in a heightened state of Rajas and thus unfit for all Satvika actitvities(praying,visiting temples etc).This is the vedic concept .
When you come to Tantrik concepts,the Arthava(menstrual blood ) is considered as a sacred thing.They use it for their rituals.For them everything that is coming out of a woman is pure.
Another way of looking at the prohibitions for women entering sacred places during menstruation is that at this time there will be the Pravritti(movement ) of Apana Vayu,which facilitates the downward movement of Prana and the whole idea of visiting a temple is to tickle your Kundalini Shakti(the inherent energy that exists in every being and which is situated in the mooladhara chakra) and to make it rise to the Sahasrara chakra (which is in the head).
So obviously a menstruating woman will not be able to do that and thus she is advised to avoid visit sacred places.
During the sabarimala issue the biggest jibe against the Hindu dharma was that it is against woman, that it is demeaning woman .On the contrary it is a belief system which believes in the divine feminine.
I am a Shakti Upasaka and I tell you that biologically, spiritually, emotionally or any kind of “ally” female is dominant. Let there be no doubt about that.
All the confusions and war calls are due to the predominant world view of Patriarchy, which is practiced even by (intentionally or unintentionally) some of those guys who calls themselves extremely liberal.
If you read the book you will understand how other cultures have understood menstruation. Greco Roman and Egyptian systems especially are very similar to Hindu belief system.
The author quotes Ayurveda and Yoga to substantiate his point and stresses that physical and mental rest during menstruation is a must( we should ask ourselves the question ‘in our own households and workspace do we create space for this resting period?’).
Knowledge never becomes defunct just because it is old.
If you want to get a nuanced perspective about menstruation in our culture do read this book.

[Anand Rai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very very reluctant to even start it but after finishing the book, I'm very happy that I got my hands on this one. Absolutely recommend it to ladies & also men and when you read, don't do just customary reading because that would become boring and futile. Don't rush to finish this book, understand the terms which have been used in it and it will be an absolute pleasure to read. The book addresses menstruation with a Hindu point of view so in the beginning the author has explained the Hindu point of view(s) and then followed by other Indian religions then goes on to discuss the pov of three major abrahmic religions and also pre abrahmic civilizations and how they treated it.
Go ahead, and give it a read.

[Subramanyam K.V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I laid my hands on. This book has extensive research on the way the menstruation practices have evolved across cultures.


The research done by the author and the way he presented it are indeed amazing

[Jain Rahul · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the controversy around entry of Mensturating women in the Sabrimala temple, it was frequently portrayed that the cultural practice in particular and Hinduism in general, is anti-women. The issue of mensturation was super-imposed with Men – vs - Women rights issue.
The question then arises in the minds of people, and in particularly to a common Hindu, is Hinduism really regressive, specially considering all the cultural practices seen around mensturation in households across the country ( or atleast, as were seen untill some decades ago). The author, Nitin Sridhar, with this background sets out to critically examine this fact.
The book is an indepth examination of the cultural practices and views of various religions (and civilizations) on women and mensturation. At the outset, it takes a note of the current prevelant situation amongst urban India where menstural restrains are seen as unnecessary, regressive and without any basis. After finishing the book, the reader has much to differ from the previous statement.
The book starts with exploring Hinduism and its facets such as Yoga & Ayurveda. The first chapter of the book focuses building the core Hindu view. It does so from a non-western native perspective, keeping at bay the biases and stereotypes attached with it. It notes that Lunar cycles seen to be linked with monthly biological cycles. Ancient sources of Ayurveda, Ratishastra, etc are expolored in detail to establish how did the Hindu's view mensturation biologically and culturally.
The first major anchor of this view is set with the one Story of Lord Indra taken from Yajurveda Taitttriya Samhita and revolves around Lord Indra and, including other things, a mensturating women. A multi-layered approach is taken in decoding the underlying message in the story. It is examined from various perspectives, at metaphorical level, at bioligocal level and at spritual level to extract a Hindu philosophical view of mensuration and mensturating women
An important theme coverd in the book is of Ashaucha (literal : uncleanliness) assocaited with Mensturation. The concept of Ashaucha is key to several Indian menstural practices. The books argues that Hindues view the process of Mensturation essentially as a process of purification. Hence the mensturating woman is in a state of Ashauch of 3 days. This has a direct implication on various cultural practices. Secondly, this will later form a contrast against the Abrahamic cultural practices who adopt a sin based view of mensturation.
The book further sheds light on the various restraints prescribed for mensturating women. The restraints, it is argued, are not to be seen in the context of deprivation but as a postive opportunity for Tapa for the physical and spiritual benefit.
The book discusses cultural practices from multitude of places such as Assam, Karnataka, Bihar, Orissa. There are references to literary sources for all periods, from ancient vedic ones to those from colonial writings.
In addition to Hinduism, the books also has brief discussion other Indian religions of Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, howver, since culturally since there is homogenity of the followers, there is not much to add except for some nuances.
The later part of the book takes a look at the current Abrahamic religionss of Judaism, Chiristanity and Islam. Light is shed on the relation between men & women in general in the society, injunctions with respect to mensturations and the concurrent differences in the society between followers of the religions.
Also menstural practices and beliefs of now extint civilizations which incl. Greek, Mesopotomian and Egyptian civilizaitons are detailed. One of the interesting insights from this section is how their practices are similar to not the cultures currently present in the geographies but with the vedic Hindu cultures. The section is a delightful read.

The book concludes with a warning towards the modern approach towards mensturation. The modern culture, does not celebrate mensturation, but seens it as a mere inconvinience which must be gotten out of the way. Sanitary pad is touted to be the means to the end. Perils of such an approach are numerious from irregular bleeding, young girls missing schools to hormonal imbalances. The books advocates adopting an approach that is in sync with one’s body and its biology.

Overall, the books is a fantistic read. There is a lot to discover about mensturation and unfortunately, the topic is not explored as much as it shoud be. The reader would be delighted to discover that Hinduism is the only culture that celebrates Mensturation.

Frederique Apffel Marglin is quoted “ In the west the idea of a large public event to celebrate menses is simply unthinkable.”

[Ganesh V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed Review on Brhat : https://www.brhat.in/dhiti/menstruati...

[Shwetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the least discussed, most neglected and cloaked topics in our cultural discourse is menstruation. Since childhood, we learn to avoid the topic and skirt over it as an embarassment to be dealt with in private. In such a social scenario, 'Menstruation Across Cultures' by scholar Nithin Sridhar is one of the most important books in today's literary circles that should be read by all Indians -- men and women, Hindus and non-Hindus -- so that one of the most basic misconceptions in the Indian psyche can be dispelled. It will make further discourses on a variety of associated social issues like entry to temples like Sabarimala and others by women of menstruating age, more knowledgeable and logical, instead of the biased and theatrical narrative it has become.
What is inherently wrong with the Indian system of discourse about Hindu practices is that it has been painted over by non-Indic thoughts and practices which were illogical when seen through our cultural and scriptural lens. I don't know why such alien practices seep into our culture so easily. Is it because we are defeated by our own porous, benevolent and non-resisting nature of accepting every other alien thought as ours?
The book compares Hindu practices regarding menstruation and women with those of all other major cultures across the world, proving once again that the concept of 'impurity' in Hinduism is entirely different than that of other religions. The definition of impurity in Hindu culture got its negative meaning from other religions and yet, it is Hinduism that got all the blame.
The author enunciates with proofs that Abhrahamic religions depict a woman's body and it's functions as sinful, something to be shunned and vilified, whereas Vedic religion celebrates, respects and worships womanhood.
Practices such as separation during mentrual period and non-entry to places of worship exist in all major religions and are based on the concept of impurity, the author shows in the book. Most ancient religions including the Greek, Egyptian, Roman and unconnected tribals across the world celebrated menstruation as a positive sacred process asociated with fertility, similar to Hinduism. It is only the modern religions and modern-day misconceptions which consider it as impure.
The book also acts as a guide to ayurvedic and yogic practices to lessen the physical problems of women associated with menstruation. The topic has become a taboo in today's Indian society mainly because we, Hindus, have lost the practice of compulsory study of our religion and its associated traditions and are more interested in just what the so-called 'experts' have to say about our own traditions. We believe them and are not bothered to check the veracity of their expertise. And that's where our downfall lies. To save our culture, the only way ahead is to study books like this and understand for ourselves what our traditions mean in their actual context.

[Harsh Agrawal · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW AND KEY TAKEAWAY'S - The Sabrimala Confusion: Menstruation across cultures.

Author: Shri Nithin Sridhar Ji
Published by : Vitasta Publishing
Pages: 370
Price : Rs. 483/- (As on 10-08-2021)
Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3s3h4rF

Let me make this clear. This is NOT an easy book to read, and that does not mean it's not fascinating. It indeed is. But the human body, including menstruation, is complicated. So are our religious and cultural practices around them. The author has done his best to explain and give context to WHY such traditions are practised and explained the logic behind them. The book tells how menstruation was perceived across various Indic religions, Abrahamic religions, ancient western civilizations like Egyptian, Mesopotamian civilization, etc. and other indigenous communities. To quote Ms Ojha from the forward of the book, The author sets the record straight about menstruation in the Indic Tradition and compares it with ideas from different cultures, past and present to put it in perspective. All roots with the past, the passing down of best practices from mother to daughter and grandmother to granddaughter have been brutally sidelined in the name of modernity. All discussions about menstruation revolve exclusively around biology and other aspects of the issue like subjective experiences, cultural knowledge and spirituality are reduced to taboos and superstitions. The contemporary narrative about Indian Women not having access to hygienic menstrual products or that they largely indulge in unhygienic and superstitious menstrual practices owing to poverty , illiteracy and imposed cultural practices rooted in patriarchy is misleading, incorrect, and may have been manufactured for ulterior motives.

The book begins with the Hindu View of Menstruation, this segment is given the most focus and is discussed in thorough detail, to clear the misconceptions about the traditions in the Sanatan Dharma . It talks about the lunar cycle and how it connects with menstruation, but mainly about the Story of Indra, of how menstruation came into existence according to Hinduism. About ASHAUCHA. It also discusses the key principles that can be derived from the narrative, and what things should be practised during, in extreme detail. Another important discussion is about Traditions that have been since inception. This segment ends with discussing the Yogic & Ayurvedic perspectives on Menstruation. The author discusses various scriptures and explains in great detail, the practices that should be followed and how they are beneficial for both the body and the soul.

Other Indic Religions, such as Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism, have some traditions very similar as Hinduism, although origination might be different. Buddhism , for example , percives . all bodies as being polluting , although the female body takes the larger burden of impurity . Hindu traditions also perceive different conditions under which both men and women enter Ashaucha(Impurity). Both Buddhism and Jainism accept women in ascetic orders , but both consider women as being at a disadvantage with regard to the "Buddhahood" or final liberation. The Buddhists think due to their being at a greater stage of suffering and impurity , The Jains perceive women at being at a greater state of Himsa(Injury) . Hindu traditions do not consider women as being incapableor even at a disadvantage of attaining Moksha. In Sikhism , the Guru Granth Sahib , disregards the purity-impurity prevalent in Hinduism and Buddhism and adopts a moralistic view of life. The Knowledgeable often hold this change in perspective as radical and reformist , it is important to note that as Sikhism was growing in India at the time of Islamic Invaders and it was a very troublesome time.

The author then further talks about Menstruation notions in the Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In Judaism, menstruation attained a very crucial role in medical times, and the observance of menstrual laws became a defining "defining criteria of Jewishness", one that was used by the Jews to set them apart from the Christians. Jews believed that they were pure and holy because they maintained Levitical Purity Laws. , while Christians were impure and idolatrous because they maintained sexual relations with Menstruant women. Niddah and the laws associated with it became a central element of not only the Jewish Lifestyle but also Jewish identity. Niddah refers to a state of ritual impurity into which a woman enters when she experiences uterine bleeding, especially after she becomes aware of that bleeding. The practice of Niddah by Jewish women entails their adhering to certain do's and dont's during that period. The guiding principles of Niddah can be divided into three parts: Complete separation of husband and wife during the bleeding days, the practise of sexual abstinence during the seven clean days after the menses and the examination and cleansing during the clean days ending with final purification in Mikvah(a bath used for the purpose of ritual immersion). Ketubot 61b (a special type of Jewish Prenuptial agreement) states that a menstruating woman is permitted to engage in all the same activities as a non-menstruating woman with three exceptions - making her husband's bed, washing his feet and pouring him wine - acts that might lead him to break the Levitical purity laws and have sexual relations with the menstruant. Comparing Hinduism and Judaism, there are many similarities in the menstrual norms and practices, like the association of impurity with menstruation, , the element of "curse" . Like Hindu Women, Jewish women also are expected to avoid sexual intercourse; also are believed to become pure after ritual bathing . Yet, a closer examination reveals very significant differences. All this along with several other things have been discussed in thorough detail by the Author in the book.

Christianity is an outgrowth of Judaism, as many of you might know, so many of the things in the "Old Testament ", were brought back in the "New Testament". though the Christians have attempted to define their separate identity several times throughout history, hence there are several differences too. Menstruation was used as one of the tools towards the end. Like Judaism, Christianity derives its primary views about menstruation from Leviticus, part of the Old Testament. Unlike Judaism, Christians do not practice any menstruation practices like Niddah and Mikveh. This non-observance of Niddah Regulations and the belief that Baptism, the Christian rite of purification and admission into Christianity, itself frees Women from all impurities formed including Menstruation. Methodius of Olympus and Clement of Alexandria note such things in their texts. For the most part of their history , Christians have considered Menstruation dangerous and observe a number of restrictions and taboos. William E Phillips wrote " The taboo is so alive that menstruation is customarily spoken of in hushed tones and only in women-to-women talk. Because of embarrassment, many mothers still fail to provide daughters with an adequate advance briefing about their first menstruation." One of the most disturbing parts of Christian History was the persecution of women under the pretext of witchcraft in Early Modern Europe. Miriam Simos writes " The terror was indescribable. Once denounced, anyone a spiteful neighbour or a fretful child , was arrested immediately, without warning and wasn't allowed to return home. Considered Guilty until proven innocent. At the heart of these witchhunts were the medieval Christian blood beliefs, those regarding menstruation. Theories regarding the body played an important part in the complex witchcraft beliefs which nourished the period of the trials and persecutions. Both the educated and the illiterate believed the witch body as evidence of dangerous power with blood being considered the means of exchange between a supernatural force and the physical world. Some Indian Christians also associate the notion of sin and pollution with menstruation and restrict themselves during their menses, but a large number of Christian women have given up many of these practices as can be seen from a 2016 study.

Islam traces its roots to Judaism and Christianity and recognises Adam, Abraham, Moses and Jesus as messengers of God, Prophet Mohammad is held as the final messenger, whose teachings supersedes all others. Owing to its common origins in Abrahamic monotheism, the Islamic views on menstruation borrow heavily from Judaism and Christianity including their notions of impurity and sin. Purity and Impurity, or Tahana and Najasa are the most important aspects of Islamic Life. Water is the most prominent tool used for purification. Islam prescribes two kinds of ablution rituals for purifications, Wudu and Ghusl. Wudu is a mandatory component to be followed before each of the 5 daily prayers. Ghusl is a lengthier process, which has to be performed before special circumstances. 1)After a New Muslim takes Shahada (witness Prayer) for the first time. 2)Sexual intercourse where semen/sexual fluids have been discharged 3)After a woman completes her menstrual cycle. Menstrual and Postnatal blood are considered impure, in contrast to the blood that may emerge from other parts of the body. As Menstruation is considered an impure condition, with menstrual bleeding both sexual and dirty, a woman cannot pray or fast, even during Ramadan, while she is menstruating, even if she wants to. Also, she is not allowed to have sexual intercourse for seven days. Menarche marks a women as "mature enough to assume duties expected of every practicing Muslim", its acts as a formal entry into Islamic life and a woman will now be expected to pray 5 times a day and fast during Ramadan(Interestingly , A Man also begins to pray and fast only after they have had their first emission of semen). While in the Quranic account of Adam and Eve , they are addressed as a couple , with God warning them about the tree, Satan approaching BOTH of them together and them eating the forbidden fruit TOGETHER, resulting in their fall , the post Quranic texts drastically change this , emphasising thee role of Eve and connecting it with the fall of women as a whole.

While both Christians and Muslims observe many menstruation practices similar to Hinduism, like Christian women not undertaking communion or Muslim women not fasting or praying during menstruation, the underlying principle which guides these practices is fundamentally different from those observed in Hinduism or in other Non-Abrahamic traditions. Some Modern Academics have tried to read negatively the association of menstruation with impurity in Hinduism, most such views don't have a factual basis and are an outcome of a pre-conceived bias and ignorance about Ashaucha. This is no evidence in Hindu History , which is comparable to witch hunting and burning in Christianity , or the severe restrictions placed on women in Islam. Instead , we have enormous evidence regarding the celebration of menstruation among different Hindu communities.

It is discussed how most cultures and communities have some notion of impurity and sacredness attached to menstruation. The book is an unbiased examination of menstruation through the various section of societies Point of view. This book discussed the topic in extreme detail and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend that that you pick up the book , I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book.

[Shailja · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read on aspects of menstruation across various cultures and civilisations that form the basis of religious rituals in present day world.
However, I feel adding “sabarimala confusion” in title is unjustified. There wasn’t any explanation for that particular perspective. Though one can gauge it from the book.
Also, sometimes you loose connect with the book especially when the writer goes deep into the issues beyond menstruation and gives unwanted focus on other related topics too.
Overall a good read for those only who want to understand and compare different perspectives of menstruation across cultures.

[Oishee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Menstruation : Disgust ? Taboo ? Religion ? Superstitions? Patriarchy ? Impurity ?
“Menstruation Across Cultures : A Historical Perspective” by Nithin Sridhar gives all the answers to these mind baffling aspects. There are a lot of misconceptions about Menstruation and the position of impurity. Internet, advertisements, movies, misinformed individuals have led us to believe that the lone distribution of sanitary pads across the globe will lead to the emancipation of women from the chains of taboo associated with menstruation. We fail to understand that just because we do not know any better doesn’t mean we should be misleading young girls into believing that sanitary napkin alone is the ultimate solution to all their problems or as the author himself says “ Why not leave it to them to decide what to use? And respect that decision.”

Before reading this book I used to believe that all the Hindu lifestyle practices surrounding menstruation is merely a product of superstition. This was further reinforced by certain movies, campaigns , media and the internet. But once I started reading this I was set on a glorious journey full of learning and discovery. This books makes us to question for ourselves whether what we hear or read or see is in fact legitimate and genuine or is it rather based on westernised urban ideas about what is right or wrong and what is development and what is not.

What is amazing about this book is that it states straight facts based on real historical evidences without arriving at any opinionated conclusions . In order to understand, analyse or judge anything it is imperative to know why it is so and how it came to be. This book helps one to explore and comprehend religions and civilisations across the world. It showcased how the various ancient civilisations shared similar ideas regarding notions of purity and impurity, gender studies etc. and how scholars across the globe were constantly trying to unravel the mystery, beauty, diversity and knowledge of life.
When it comes to stating the flaws of this book which nonetheless makes it an even more interesting piece of read, a more scientific way of approaching the religious practices adjacent menstruation and justifying their significance could have helped a lot towards our understanding of how the respective religions viewed menstruation and why the modern myth of Hinduism and several other creeds looking down upon menstruating women and girls is a very complicated bone of contention.
Several sections of the book had excerpts of certain ancient manuscripts and accounts of scholars pertaining to issues sensitive to gender discrimination and dehumanisation of women or those which had a subtle hint of viewing women as inferior or subsidiary. These were not addressed as wrong or erroneous, although keeping in mind that no opinions were stated in this book.
Recommended for ages 15 & above. A 9.0 out of 10. One of the best books on menstruation and its historical aspect ever written.

[Harikrishna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great that gives an explanation on the issue from a historical and cultural perspective. A must-read book who ever interested.

[Navyashree Gowda · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's quite a lot repetition, seems unnecessary.