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Asoucha or Asoucham (Samskrit: आशौचम्) broadly refers to a period of isolation and restriction from dharmik activities in certain situations. In Sanatana Dharma texts Asoucha, translated inadequately as Impurity, is used to denote yet another unique concept which involves restrictions on a person (who has the Asoucha) from participating in certain rituals, [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|samskaras]], [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|yajnas]], [[Dana (दानम्)|danas]] and even mingling with other family members preventing socialization extending to a long period of time (even a month in some cases).<ref name=":0">Shama Sastry, R. (1921) ''Smritichandrika, Asaucha Kaanda by Devanabhatta.'' Mysore : Oriental Library Publications. (Pages 1 -25)</ref>

Asoucha or Asoucham (Samskrit: आशौचम्) broadly refers to a period of isolation and restriction from dharmik activities in certain situations. In Sanatana Dharma texts Asoucha, translated inadequately as Impurity, is used to denote yet another unique concept which involves restrictions on a person (who has the Asoucha) from participating in certain rituals, [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|samskaras]], [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|yajnas]], [[Dana (दानम्)|danas]] and even mingling with other family members preventing socialization extending to a long period of time (even a month in some cases).<ref name=":0">Shama Sastry, R. (1921) ''Smritichandrika, Asaucha Kaanda by Devanabhatta.'' Mysore : Oriental Library Publications. (Pages 1 -25)</ref>

== आशैचलक्षणम् ॥ Definition of Asoucha ==

== आशैचलक्षणम् ॥ Definition of Asoucha ==

According to Shanka smrti as mentioned in Smrtichandrika by Devala<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>दानं प्रतिग्रहो होमः स्वाध्यायः पितृक्रम च । प्रेतपिण्डक्रियावर्जमाशौचे विनिवर्तयेत्॥ </blockquote>Asoucha in a person's life is of two types पापविशेषात्मकम् । due to malefic activities or papam (such as Brahmahatya, Gohatya) and सपिण्डादिजनने मरणे वा। due to the phenomenon of birth and death of family members and relatives. This is said to be the meaning of the word Asoucham. Asoucham entails restrictions in participating in certain important dharmas and rituals such as  

According to Shanka smrti as mentioned in Smrtichandrika by Devala<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>दानं प्रतिग्रहो होमः स्वाध्यायः पितृक्रम च । प्रेतपिण्डक्रियावर्जमाशौचे विनिवर्तयेत्॥ </blockquote><blockquote>dānaṁ pratigrahō hōmaḥ svādhyāyaḥ pitr̥krama ca । prētapiṇḍakriyāvarjamāśaucē vinivartayēt॥</blockquote>Asoucha in a person's life is of two types पापविशेषात्मकम् । due to malefic activities or papam (such as Brahmahatya, Gohatya) and सपिण्डादिजनने मरणे वा। due to the phenomenon of birth and death of family members and relatives. This is said to be the meaning of the word Asoucham. Asoucham entails restrictions in participating in certain important dharmas and rituals such as  

# Dana (one who gives charity)

# Dana (one who gives charity)

# Pratigraha (one who accepts Dana)

# Pratigraha (one who accepts Dana)

# Homa (performing yajnas etc)

# Homa (performing yajnas etc)

# Pitr karmas (such as Shraddha, Darsa-shraddha).

# Pitr karmas (such as Shraddha, Darsa-shraddha).

Asoucha however allows the conduct of Pretopakaraka-pindakriyas i.e., those activities such as dana and recitation of vedamantras pertaining to the sutaka period after the death of a person.

Asoucha however allows the conduct of Pretopakaraka-pindakriyas i.e., those activities such as dana and recitation of vedamantras pertaining to the sutaka period (10 days of mourning) for the preta (ghost of the dead person) after the death of a person.

== पारिभाषिकपदानि ॥ Associated Terminology ==

== पारिभाषिकपदानि ॥ Associated Terminology ==

Reference to Dharmasindhu and Smriti granthas has been given from which further information may be sought on the following topics.<blockquote>कूटस्थमारभ्य सप्तमपुरुषपर्यन्ताः सपिण्डाः ॥ ततः सप्तसमानोदकाः ॥ ततः सप्तैकविंशतिपर्यन्ताः सगोत्राः ॥ (Dhar. Sind. Parich. 3)<ref name=":3">The Dharmasindhu bu Kasinath Upadhyaya (1986 Reprint Edition) Delhi: Sri Satguru Publications (Page 341 - 343)</ref></blockquote>'''कूटस्थः॥ Kutastha:''' The moola purusha is the Kutastha. The fourth older generation person is the Kutastha. Ex: Consider the persons Great-grandfather, Grand-father, Father and Person X (Son) as a lineage. Kutastha is the mostly the great-grandfather (in some cases goes upto great great-grandfather).   

Reference to Dharmasindhu and Smriti granthas has been given from which further information may be sought on the following topics.<blockquote>कूटस्थमारभ्य सप्तमपुरुषपर्यन्ताः सपिण्डाः ॥ ततः सप्तसमानोदकाः ॥ ततः सप्तैकविंशतिपर्यन्ताः सगोत्राः ॥ (Dhar. Sind. Parich. 3)<ref name=":3">The Dharmasindhu bu Kasinath Upadhyaya (1986 Reprint Edition) Delhi: Sri Satguru Publications (Page 341 - 343)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>kūṭasthamārabhya saptamapuruṣaparyantāḥ sapiṇḍāḥ ॥ tataḥ saptasamānōdakāḥ ॥ tataḥ saptaikaviṁśatiparyantāḥ sagōtrāḥ ॥ (Dhar. Sind. Parich. 3)</blockquote>'''कूटस्थः॥ Kutastha:''' The moola purusha is the Kutastha. The fourth older generation person is the Kutastha. Ex: Consider the persons Great-grandfather, Grand-father, Father and Person X (Son) as a lineage. Kutastha is the mostly the great-grandfather (in some cases goes upto great great-grandfather).   

'''सपिण्डः ॥ Sapinda:''' All the sons and children belonging to them, upto seven generations down from the Kutastha are called Sapindas.

'''सपिण्डः ॥ Sapinda:''' All the sons and children belonging to them, upto seven generations down from the Kutastha are called Sapindas.

=== आशैचप्राप्तिः ॥ Asoucha Applies To ===

=== आशैचप्राप्तिः ॥ Asoucha Applies To ===

<blockquote>प्राप्नोति सूतकं गोत्रे चतुर्थपुरुषेण तु । दायाद्विच्छेदमाप्नोति पञ्चमो वात्मवंशजः ॥ (Para. Smrt. 3.9)<ref name=":2">The Smriti Sandarbha (1988) ''Collection of the Four Dharmashastric Texts by Maharshies. Vol. 2.'' Delhi: Nag Publishers. (Page 633-)</ref></blockquote>The sutaka applies upto four generations (Person X, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and the sons (and their wives) and their children of the first three generations) and the sapinda relationship ends with the fifth generation person of the same family.

<blockquote>प्राप्नोति सूतकं गोत्रे चतुर्थपुरुषेण तु । दायाद्विच्छेदमाप्नोति पञ्चमो वात्मवंशजः ॥ (Para. Smrt. 3.9)<ref name=":2">The Smriti Sandarbha (1988) ''Collection of the Four Dharmashastric Texts by Maharshies. Vol. 2.'' Delhi: Nag Publishers. (Page 633-)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>prāpnōti sūtakaṁ gōtrē caturthapuruṣēṇa tu । dāyādvicchēdamāpnōti pañcamō vātmavaṁśajaḥ ॥(Para. Smrt. 3.9)</blockquote>The sutaka applies upto four generations (Person X, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and the sons (and their wives) and their children of the first three generations) and the sapinda relationship ends with the fifth generation person of the same family.

A woman after marriage observes the Asoucha of her husband's family and not that of her natural family. From birth upto marriage a female child follows the Asoucha of her parental family and after marriage Asoucha of husband's family applies, though she would still have to follow the Asoucha (reduced in number of days) of her blood relatives.

A woman after marriage observes the Asoucha of her husband's family and not that of her natural family. From birth upto marriage a female child follows the Asoucha of her parental family and after marriage Asoucha of husband's family applies, though she would still have to follow the Asoucha (reduced in number of days) of her blood relatives.

== आशैचभेदाः॥ Asoucha ==

== आशैचभेदाः॥ Kinds of Asoucha ==

 

Pancha Bheda-Ashoucha: ''Sa Panchaghaa: Kartrutah, Karmatah, Dravyatah, Mritadoshatah, Vighaanatah /  ''

=== जाताशौचम्॥ Jaata-Asoucha ===

According to Parasara Smriti<blockquote>जातौ विप्रो दशाहेन द्वादशाहेन भूमिपः । वैश्यः पञ्चदशाहेन शूद्रो मासेन शुध्यति ॥ ३.४ ॥ (Para. Smrt. 3.4)<ref name=":1">Parashara Smrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 3])</ref></blockquote>On the occasion of a birth, a Brahman recovers purity in ten days; a Kshatriya does so in twelve days; a vaishya at the expiry of fifteen days; and the purification of a Shoodra takes a month.

[Madhava says that this rule applies to the case where a Sapinda has been born ; while the rule of three days applies where a Samanodaka, a more distant relative than a Sapinda, has been born.]

The five kinds of Ashouchas are on account of<ref name=":7">The Essence of Dharmasindhu from [http://www.kamakoti.org/kamakoti/dharmasindhu/bookview.php?chapnum=26 kamakoti.org]</ref>

‘Kartru Bhedaashouchaas’ are related to Sanyasis and Brahmacharis; Sanyasis are immune from Ashoucha in reference to the births and deaths of anybody excepting however only the Parents. As regards Brahmachaaris they have to observe Ashoucha respect of the deaths of Parents as also of sapindas, as they not only participate in treating the dead bodies of the Parents but in the Antya Kriyas also.  

Now in the case of Karma Bheda, Kings who are involved in various  administrative tasks like punishments to wrong doers including even deaths have no Ashoucha; those performing Shanti Karyas to offset fears from Kings or from illnesses  have no ashoucha; to a Vaidya who examines the body parts of a patient to check diseases has no Ashoucha; those Brahmanas who perform Naandi Shraddha for tasks like Devata Pratishtha, Upanayana or Vivaha have no Ashuchi; and Grahana nimitta or Sankrantaadi Shraddha Karmas including Daanas do not attract Ashoucha.  

When Asoucha is due to death of a family member, the removal of Asoucha  depends on few conditions such as varna of the person, the time of abortion or death. Based on the Varna of a person the vidhis are as follows<ref name=":1" /><blockquote>क्षत्रियो द्वादशाहेन वैश्यः पञ्चदशाहकैः । शूद्रः शुध्यति मासेन पराशरवचो यथा ॥ ३.२ ॥ (Para. Smrt 3.2)</blockquote>According to Parasara's words, a Kshatriya has shuddhi (purity) from asoucha in twelve days (i.e., on 13th day); a Vaisya, when fifteen days have passed (i.e., on the 16th day); a Shudra, after the lapse of a month (i.e., on the 31st day).

Shudravarna vidhis are so ordained in Dharmasindhu, death of a child who had Namakarana samskara up to the age of 3 years shuddhi for the parents and relatives happens with snana; Between 3 years to Vivaha or 16 years shuddhi happens after three days of Asoucha. If death happens after 16 years Mrtashoucham for one month has to be followed (as given above in Parashara smriti also).<ref name=":3" />

Dravya Bheda due to Kraya Vikraya like buying a host of material ranging from flowers and fruits, food materials, clothes etc.from a person with Ashoucha would not invite Asouchya.  

Instances of Vidhana Bhedas are plenty as they could be Sparsha Dosha, Mrita Dosha and so on. In respect of the last two doshas which are the worst, several prayaschittthas are prescribed to atone the Asuchis from Para Stree gamana, Maha Paataka Karana, Shava Sparshana,  Preta Karya Karana etc. and such prayaschittas  include Chandrayana Vratas, Krucchra Vratas, Go-Bhu-Dravya-Vastu Danaas etc.

In the Garuda Purana ShriKrishna explains to Garuda the vidhis of Asoucha in case of unnatural deaths such as death due to snake-bite, drowning and being struck by an horned animal, through weapons or in an accident and when no funeral rites are carried out such as cremation.<blockquote>गरुड उवाच ।</blockquote><blockquote>सर्पाद्धि प्राप्तमृत्यूनामग्निदाहादि न क्रिया । जलेन शृङ्गिणा वापि शस्त्राद्यैर्म्रियते यदि ॥ २,१३.९ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>असन्मृत्युमृतानां च कथं शुद्धिर्भवत्प्रभो । एतन्मे संशयं देव च्छेत्तुमर्हस्यशेषतः ॥ २,१३.१० ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>श्रीकृष्ण उवाच ।</blockquote><blockquote>षण्मासैर्ब्राह्मणः शुध्येद्युग्मे सार्धे तु बाहुजः । सार्धमासेन वैश्यस्तु शूद्रो मासेन शुध्यति ॥ २,१३.११ ॥ (Garu. Pura. 2.13.9-11)<ref>Garuda Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_(%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A Dharma Kaanda Adhyaya 13]) </ref></blockquote>Krishna replies : If he is a Brahmana, shuddhi is after six months, if a Kshatriya in three months; if a Vaishya - a month and a half and if he is a Shudra shuddhi is after one month.<ref>''The Garuda Purana, Part 2, Translated by a Board of Scholars'' (1957 First Edition) Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Pvt. Ltd. (Page 799)</ref>

For the following people of different occupations and varnas, there are exceptions and the Asoucha is removed with a bath on hearing the news.<blockquote>शिल्पिनः कारुका वैद्या दासीदासाश्च नापिताः । राजानः श्रोत्रियाश्चैव सद्यः शौचाः प्रकीर्तिताः ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>सव्रतः सत्रपूतश्च आहिताग्निश्च यो द्विजः । राज्ञश्च सूतकं नास्ति यस्य चेच्छति पार्थिवः ॥ (Para. Smrt. 3.27 - 28)</blockquote><blockquote>śilpinaḥ kārukā vaidyā dāsīdāsāśca nāpitāḥ । rājānaḥ śrōtriyāścaiva sadyaḥ śaucāḥ prakīrtitāḥ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>savrataḥ satrapūtaśca āhitāgniśca yō dvijaḥ । rājñaśca sūtakaṁ nāsti yasya cēcchati pārthivaḥ ॥ (Para. Smrt. 3.27 - 28)</blockquote>

For the following people of different occupations and varnas, there are exceptions and the Asoucha is removed with a bath on hearing the news. <blockquote>शिल्पिनः कारुका वैद्या दासीदासाश्च नापिताः । राजानः श्रोत्रियाश्चैव सद्यः शौचाः प्रकीर्तिताः ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>सव्रतः सत्रपूतश्च आहिताग्निश्च यो द्विजः । राज्ञश्च सूतकं नास्ति यस्य चेच्छति पार्थिवः ॥ (Para. Smrt. 3.27 - 28)</blockquote>

# Artisans

# Artisans

# Architects and builders

# Architects and builders

# Those who are in process of a religious observance or vratas i.e. brahmacharis.

# Those who are in process of a religious observance or vratas i.e. brahmacharis.

# Ahitagnis - those who have been initiated and are engaged in the performance of a yajña lasting more than one day.

# Ahitagnis - those who have been initiated and are engaged in the performance of a yajña lasting more than one day.

=== रजस्वलाशौचम् ॥ Rajasvala-Asoucha ===

=== रजस्वलाशौचम् ॥ Rajasvala-Asoucha ===

The time period in a woman's life when she has the ability to bear children is said to be the Rtukala of a woman. A woman prior to Rtusnana (purificatory bath) is said to be Rajasvala. From about 12 years of age (puberty) to the age of 50 years (menopause), every month (lunar month of 27-28 days) a woman has a discharge of menstrual blood from her uterus called Rajasraava (रजस्रावम्) or Aartavi (आर्तवी), and during the time when she goes through a monthly menstrual cycle (of 3-4 days) she is called Rajasvala (रजस्वला).<ref name=":4">''Sanskarprakash'' by Gita Press, Gorakhpur. (Pages 493-509)</ref>

The time period in a woman's life when she has the ability to bear children is said to be the Rtukala of a woman. A woman prior to Rtusnana (purificatory bath) is said to be Rajasvala. From about 12 years of age (puberty) to the age of 50 years (menopause), every month (lunar month of 27-28 days) a woman has a discharge of menstrual blood from her uterus called Rajasraava (रजस्रावम्) or Aartavi (आर्तवी), and during the time she goes through a monthly menstrual cycle (of 3-4 days) she is called Rajasvala (रजस्वला).<ref name=":4">''Sanskarprakash'' by Gita Press, Gorakhpur. (Pages 493-509)</ref>

Ancient texts such as Vedas, Puranas, the Itihasas, Smrti granthas (Parashara Smrti, Apastamba Smrti, Manusmrti, Atri Smrti etc) Charaka samhita, Sushruta samhita have all described about the purity of women and the time of menstruation of women including associated vidhis for the same. Women who are in their monthly menstrual cycle or "periods" are said to have entered a temporary period (four days) of Asoucha according to Sanatana Dharma texts. Parashara Smrti describes the process of purification procedures.<blockquote>भस्मना शुध्यते कांस्यं ताम्रमम्लेन शुध्यति ॥ रजसा शुध्यते नारी विकलं या न गच्छति । (Para. Smrt. 7.3-4)<ref name=":5">Parashara Smrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 7])</ref></blockquote>Bronze is purified by the presence of Bhasma (ash), and copper by acidic cleanser (substance), by the flow of menstrual discharge (रजसा) a woman is purified. (Also mentioned in Vashishta Dharmasutras 3.58).

Ancient texts such as Vedas, Puranas, the Itihasas, Smrti granthas (Parashara Smrti, Apastamba Smrti, Manusmrti, Atri Smrti etc) Charaka samhita, Sushruta samhita have all described about the purity of women and the time of menstruation of women including associated vidhis for the same. Women who are in their monthly menstrual cycle or "periods" are said to have entered a temporary period (four days) of Asoucha according to Sanatana Dharma texts. Parashara Smrti describes the process of purification procedures.<blockquote>भस्मना शुध्यते कांस्यं ताम्रमम्लेन शुध्यति ॥ रजसा शुध्यते नारी विकलं या न गच्छति । (Para. Smrt. 7.3-4)<ref name=":5">Parashara Smrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 7])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>bhasmanā śudhyatē kāṁsyaṁ tāmramamlēna śudhyati ॥ rajasā śudhyatē nārī vikalaṁ yā na gacchati । (Para. Smrt. 7.3-4)</blockquote>Bronze is purified by the presence of Bhasma (ash), and copper by acidic cleanser (substance), by the flow of menstrual discharge (रजसा) a woman is purified. (Also mentioned in Vashishta Dharmasutras 3.58).

Rajodharma, is the naturally occurring biological phenomenon uniquely seen in a woman. However, as per the legend in the Taittriya Samhita which was later explained in many Puranic versions, Rajodharma in women is attributed to the one-fourth share of the Brahmahatyadosha of Indra, the ruler of the celestial worlds. After Indra killed Trishira the son of Tvashtra Prajapati, he is haunted by Brahmahatya-papa. In order to get rid of that he distributed it among Jala (water), Prthvi (earth), Vrkshas (trees) and Stree (women). For this favour shown to him, Indra grants boons to all of them. Women received the boon of being allowed to live with their husbands at all times in return for bearing the Brahmahatyadosha every month for three days. Prior to this women lived with their husbands only during the days of Rtukala (16 days of fertile time). <blockquote>शश्वत्कामवरेणांहस्तुरीयं जगृहुः स्त्रियः । रजोरूपेण तास्वंहो मासि मासि प्रदृश्यते ॥ ९ ॥ (Bhag. Pura. 6.9.9)<ref>Bhagavata Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4% Skanda 6 Adhyaya 9])</ref></blockquote>Indra's Brahmahatyadosha came to be visible in the form of Rajasraava during the reproductive phase of a woman. Thus associated with such Rajodharma for a few days in a month she came to be known as Rajasvala (रजस्वला), Rtumati (ऋतुमती), Udaki (उदकी), Pushpini (पुष्पिणी), Aatreyi (आत्रेयी), Malavadvasa (मलवद्वसा), Rajaki (रजकी) and Aartavi (आर्तवी).<ref name=":4" />

Rajodharma, is the naturally occurring biological phenomenon uniquely seen in a woman. However, as per the legend in the Taittriya Samhita which was later explained in many Puranic versions, Rajodharma in women is attributed to the one-fourth share of the Brahmahatyadosha of Indra, the ruler of the celestial worlds. After Indra killed Trishira the son of Tvashtra Prajapati, he is haunted by Brahmahatya-papa. In order to get rid of that he distributed it among Jala (water), Prthvi (earth), Vrkshas (trees) and Stree (women). For this favour shown to him, Indra grants boons to all of them. Women received the boon of being allowed to live with their husbands at all times in return for bearing the Brahmahatyadosha every month for three days. Prior to this women lived with their husbands only during the days of Rtukala (16 days of fertile time). <blockquote>शश्वत्कामवरेणांहस्तुरीयं जगृहुः स्त्रियः । रजोरूपेण तास्वंहो मासि मासि प्रदृश्यते ॥ ९ ॥ (Bhag. Pura. 6.9.9)<ref>Bhagavata Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4% Skanda 6 Adhyaya 9])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>śaśvatkāmavarēṇāṁhasturīyaṁ jagr̥huḥ striyaḥ । rajōrūpēṇa tāsvaṁhō māsi māsi pradr̥śyatē ॥ 9 ॥ (Bhag. Pura. 6.9.9)</blockquote>Indra's Brahmahatyadosha came to be visible in the form of Rajasraava during the reproductive phase of a woman. Thus associated with such Rajodharma for a few days in a month she came to be known as Rajasvala (रजस्वला), Rtumati (ऋतुमती), Udaki (उदकी), Pushpini (पुष्पिणी), Aatreyi (आत्रेयी), Malavadvasa (मलवद्वसा), Rajaki (रजकी) and Aartavi (आर्तवी).<ref name=":4" />

==== Determining the Period of Rajasvala Asoucha ====

==== Determining the Period of Rajasvala Asoucha ====

Features about Rajasvala Asoucha<ref name=":6">[http://indiafacts.org/hindu-view-menstruation-ii-menstruation-ashaucha/ Hindu View of Menstruation (Part 2)] by Nithin Sridhar</ref>

It should be noted that Asoucha due to birth and death should not be combined with Rajasvala Asoucha. For example: if a woman having rajasvala asoucha happens to have asoucha due to death in the family, they have to follow different vidhis and cannot intermingle. Characteristics of Rajasvala Asoucha<ref name=":6">[http://indiafacts.org/hindu-view-menstruation-ii-menstruation-ashaucha/ Hindu View of Menstruation (Part 2)] by Nithin Sridhar</ref>

* Asoucha is applicable for three days (and nights) from the day of Rajodarshana (रजोदर्शनम् । sighting of the menstrual discharge).<ref name=":4" /> A menstruating woman remains impure for three nights (and days) त्रिरात्रं रजस्वलाऽशुचिर्भवति । (Vash. Dhar. Sutr. 5.6)

* Asoucha is applicable for three days (and nights) from the day of Rajodarshana (रजोदर्शनम् । sighting of the menstrual discharge).<ref name=":4" /> A menstruating woman remains impure for three nights (and days) त्रिरात्रं रजस्वलाऽशुचिर्भवति । trirātraṁ rajasvalā'śucirbhavati । (Vash. Dhar. Sutr. 5.6)

* Shuddhi is on the fourth day.

* Shuddhi is on the fourth day.

<blockquote>स्नात्वा रजस्वला चैव चतुर्थेऽह्नि विशुध्यति । कुर्य्याद्रजसि निवृत्तेऽनिवृत्ते न कथञ्चन ॥ (Angi. Smrt. 35)<ref>The Smriti Sandarbha (1988) ''Collection of the Ten Dharmashastric Texts by Maharshies. Vol. 1.'' Delhi: Nag Publishers. (Page 594)</ref></blockquote>On the fourth day, after menstruation stops, women become shuddha (pure) by taking a purificatory bath.<ref name=":6" />

<blockquote>स्नात्वा रजस्वला चैव चतुर्थेऽह्नि विशुध्यति । कुर्य्याद्रजसि निवृत्तेऽनिवृत्ते न कथञ्चन ॥ (Angi. Smrt. 35)<ref>The Smriti Sandarbha (1988) ''Collection of the Ten Dharmashastric Texts by Maharshies. Vol. 1.'' Delhi: Nag Publishers. (Page 594)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>snātvā rajasvalā caiva caturthē'hni viśudhyati । kuryyādrajasi nivr̥ttē'nivr̥ttē na kathañcana ॥ (Angi. Smrt. 35)</blockquote>On the fourth day, after menstruation stops, women become shuddha (pure) by taking a purificatory bath.<ref name=":6" />

* It is a temporary form of Asoucha as stated in Boudhayana Dharmasutra (2.2.4.4).

* It is a temporary form of Asoucha as stated in Boudhayana Dharmasutra (2.2.4.4).

* Asoucha is restricted to three days and if blood continues to flow after four days due to some illness, it will cause no further Asoucha.

* Asoucha is restricted to three days and if blood continues to flow after four days due to some illness, it will cause no further Asoucha.

<blockquote>रोगेण यद्रजः स्त्रीणां अन्वहं तु प्रवर्तते ।। ७.१६ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>नाशुचिः सा ततस्तेन तत्स्याद्वैकालिकं मतम् । साध्वाचारा न तावत्स्याद्रजो यावत्प्रवर्तते ।। ७.१७ ।। (Para. Smrt. 7.16-17)<ref name=":5" /></blockquote>

<blockquote>रोगेण यद्रजः स्त्रीणां अन्वहं तु प्रवर्तते ।। ७.१६ ।। rōgēṇa yadrajaḥ strīṇāṁ anvahaṁ tu pravartatē ।। 7.16 ।।</blockquote><blockquote>नाशुचिः सा ततस्तेन तत्स्याद्वैकालिकं मतम् । साध्वाचारा न तावत्स्याद्रजो यावत्प्रवर्तते ।। ७.१७ ।। (Para. Smrt. 7.16-17)<ref name=":5" /></blockquote><blockquote>nāśuciḥ sā tatastēna tatsyādvaikālikaṁ matam । sādhvācārā na tāvatsyādrajō yāvatpravartatē ।। 7.17 ।। (Para. Smrt. 7.16-17)</blockquote>

* Any other menstrual discharge apart from the regular monthly cycle is not associated with this Asoucha.

* Any other menstrual discharge apart from the regular monthly cycle is not associated with this Asoucha.