Sashtanga Namaskaram and Panchanga Namaskaram are important traditional forms of prostration in Hindu worship especially in temples.
According to traditional practice, men are prescribed to
perform Sashtanga Namaskaram, while women are prescribed to perform Panchanga
Namaskaram. There is no scientific reason for this difference. The distinction
between Sashtanga Namaskaram for men and Panchanga Namaskaram for women is best
understood as a traditional ritual prescription rooted in historical, cultural,
and anatomical considerations, rather than a rule that has been conclusively validated
by modern science.
From a scientific perspective, there is no strong evidence
that a healthy woman cannot safely perform Sashtanga Namaskaram. The practice
survives primarily because it is part of a long-standing ritual tradition
rather than because of a demonstrated medical necessity.
What is Sashtanga Namaskaram?
The word Sashtanga means “with eight limbs.” It is a
complete prostration in which eight parts of the body are offered in reverence:
- Chest
- Forehead
- Speech
(words)
- Mind
- Folded
hands (Anjali)
- Eyes
- Knees
- Feet
This full-body act of surrender and devotion is known as Sashtanga
Namaskaram.
Danda Namaskaram for Men
Men may also perform Danda Namaskaram (Danda
Pranama), a form of prostration in which the devotee lies fully stretched
on the ground like a staff (danda) and offers obeisance.
Panchanga Namaskaram for Women
Traditionally, women are advised not to perform Sashtanga
Namaskaram or Danda Namaskaram. Instead, they are prescribed Panchanga
Namaskaram, which is performed while kneeling and bowing in reverence.
This guideline is traditionally explained as being based on
considerations of physical anatomy. While it is sometimes outwardly described
as avoiding pressure on the chest, the underlying rationale given in
traditional texts and customs is the protection and well-being of a woman's
reproductive organs.
Pradakshina (Circumambulation) for Women
Another practice traditionally considered unsuitable for
women is Shayana Pradakshina (rolling or prostration circumambulation
around a temple or shrine). This restriction is also traditionally attributed
to concerns for the safety and protection of the internal organs.
Alternative Method: Foot-to-Foot Pradakshina
As an alternative, women may perform a special form of
circumambulation in which the feet are moved in a measured manner:
- Place
the right foot forward.
- Bring
the left foot forward so that it touches the big toe of the right foot.
- Then
move the right foot forward so that its big toe touches the big toe of the
left foot.
- Continue
the circumambulation in this step-by-step manner around the shrine.
This method is regarded as a respectful substitute for
Shayana Pradakshina.
- Men:
Traditionally perform Sashtanga Namaskaram or Danda Namaskaram.
- Women:
Traditionally perform Panchanga Namaskaram while kneeling.
- Women
traditionally avoid: Sashtanga Namaskaram, Danda Namaskaram, and
Shayana Pradakshina.
- Alternative
for women: A measured foot-to-foot Pradakshina performed by
advancing one foot and touching the big toe of the other in sequence.
These practices are rooted in traditional temple customs and
ritual disciplines that have been followed in many Hindu communities for
generations.
No Scientific Reason
Modern anatomy and medicine do not support a universal
claim that healthy women are physically incapable of safely performing
Sashtanga Namaskaram.
Pressure on the Abdomen and Pelvis
In a full-length prostration:
- The
abdomen and pelvic region come into contact with the ground.
- Repeated
pressure may theoretically create discomfort for:
- Pregnant
women
- Women
during menstruation
- Women
with certain gynecological conditions
However, for a healthy non-pregnant woman, ordinary
prostration does not appear to pose a medically significant risk
according to current medical understanding.
Why Kneeling May Have Been Preferred
Panchanga Namaskaram:
- Places
less pressure on the abdomen and pelvis.
- Keeps
the torso more elevated.
- Is
easier to perform while wearing traditional garments such as sarees.
- May
have been considered more comfortable and practical in traditional social
settings.
These practical considerations may have contributed to the
custom.
In fact, movements similar to Sashtanga Namaskaram occur in:
- Yoga
practices
- Physical
exercise routines
- Various
religious traditions worldwide
For healthy individuals, these movements are generally
considered safe.
Exceptions may include:
- Pregnancy
- Recent
abdominal surgery
- Pelvic
floor disorders
- Certain
orthopedic conditions
In such cases, modifications may be advisable regardless of
gender.
Many scholars believe the distinction is not purely medical.
Other factors likely influenced the practice:
- Concepts
of ritual modesty.
- Social
norms regarding bodily posture.
- Differences
in clothing.
- Gender-specific
roles in traditional society.
- Temple
etiquette developed over centuries.
In many ancient cultures—not only in India—men and women had
different ritual postures and forms of worship.