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 ...