Q&A सूतक आदि में पूजा करनी चाहिए या नहीं ? | Abstain from worship during sutak?

Should one abstain from worshipping when some close relative dies or takes birth, etc.?

A Seeker asks Swamiji whether one should perform pooja while sutak is in effect, or while a lady is observing her menstrual cycle.

(Sutak is a short period of time following occurence of death or birth of a close-relative, etc.. During sutak, certain Vedic rituals cannot be performed due to a lack of atmospheric or other purity/instability).

Swamiji clears this doubt by explaining the two types of Dharma—Par dharm (duties toward spiritual welfare) and Apar dharm (duties toward bodily welfare). Swamiji says that sutak etc. are rules prescribed in the Vedas and thus do apply to Apar dharma such puja, etc.; but these rules do not apply to Par dharma, which is the bhakti or loving devotion to the Supreme Being! Shree Krishna tells Arjun,

“tasmāt sarveṣhu kāleṣhu mām anusmara...”

“Always remember Me...”

So, even during sutak, or a lady’s menstrual period, or while attending to nature’s call, and at all places and toward any direction, God can be and shall be remembered!

However, while living in the society, adhering to social norms will ensure a peaceful co-existence. Thus, although it is not obligatory, it is recommended that the wise persons adhere to the social norms while in the society. Those on the path of Par dharm can do bhakti, puja all the time.

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