Orthodox Hindu attitudes to menstruation / Nicole Hembroff
Date
2010
Authors
Hembroff, Nicole
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Religious Studies, c2010
Abstract
Although menstruation is a biological process that occurs for women of a sexually
mature age, many cultures associate it with symbols that shape and affect women's lives
within these societies. This thesis examines orthodox Hindu beliefs about the origin and
meaning of menstruation, which is fundamentally viewed negatively (i.e., adharmically).
Drawing upon sources from the earliest to more recent Dharmasastra literature, the thesis
demonstrates that orthodox Hindu menstrual taboos derive from menstruation's adharmic
associations, which in turn affect attitudes towards women. The Dharmasastras also
attempt to realign women with dharma by prescribing appropriate roles for them and act
in tandem with the Hindu goddess tradition. Orthodox interpretations of Hindu goddesses
configure these deities to serve as dharmic models "for" and " o f women, thereby
transmitting dharma to women in ways that are perhaps more meaningful, accessible, and
effective than the sastric literature alone.
iv
Description
viii, 102 leaves , 3 leaves of plates : ill. ; 29 cm
Keywords
Menstruation -- Religious aspects -- Hinduism , Menstruation -- Social aspects , Menstral cycle -- Religious aspects -- Hinduism , Hindu women -- Health and hygiene , Hindu women -- Social conditions , Dissertations, Academic