PRADAKSHINA (Circumambulation)


PRADAKSHINA (Circumambulation)
Pradakshina means circumambulation (Parikrama) around the intended idol/icon in a temple which is a form of worship that is in vogue in Hindu religion and culture since time immemorial. Generally we come across devout Hindus taking Pradakshina around Thulasi plant; Aswatta Vruksha (Peepal Tree); Sacred Cow (Go Pradakshina); around sacred fire; apart from the temple deity; Lord Hanuman; Sri Raaghavendra Swamy Brundavana, Navagraha etc.

Apart from normal Pradakshina, we come across special types of Pradakshina (circumambulation) like Giri Pradakshina (famously at Arunachala/Simhachala), Anga Pradakshina (famously at Tirumala/Mantralayam), Praakaara Pradakshina (famously at Sri Rangam); Aatma Pradakshina, Somasuutra Pradakshina (during Pradosha time) etc.
Actually Pradakshina is a sort of penance to beseech the God’s grace to get rid of bad karmas that one may be facing in life. The guiding principle behind this is that, if God’s worship is performed with sincere devotion and total surrender it helps in reducing the impact of bad karmas and not by the amount of offerings to the God.

Recognizing God as the focal point in our lives we go about doing our day to day tasks. God is the centre point/source or essence of our lives and everything revolves around Him. When we undertake Pradakshina every point on the circumference is equidistance from the centre ie, the God and we are equally close to the God and His grace flows impartially towards us.

Pra means prominent/famous/the best and dakshina indicates the direction ie... to the right. Pradakshina means prominently moving to the right side that is auspicious and eventual. When we perform Pradakshina we circumambulate in clockwise direction and God always remains to our right side that symbolizes auspiciousness. This is just to remind ourselves to lead an auspicious and righteous life.

With regular chanting of divine Veda manthras in the temple it is believed that there will be accumulation and roaming of positive vibrations/energy around the idol/temple. While making Pradakshina the mind will get purified, the devotee absorbs the positive energy and gets the divine aura that surrounds the Deity.

Pradakshina is a form of Prayaschitta (expiation). It should be performed with utmost humility and devotion in a meditative mood with focus on the concerned deity and not just as a routine. Pradakshina is performed as a mark of respect, obeisance and total surrender to the deity. It should be performed slowly and not in a hurry with our thoughts and actions dwelled on the God with folded hands. According to its merits Pradakshina will tone down the sins; cause destruction of Karma; bestows upon what is desired; leading to the path of salvation.

Yaanikaani cha paapaani janmaanthara kruthaani cha
Thaani thaani vinasyanthi pradakshina padae padae

Meaning: let lapses and blemishes made in this current as well as the previous births and resultant afflictions perish with every pradakshina.

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu

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