Pradakshinam
PRA – The letter “Pra” removes all fears and worries,
DA – The letter “Da” blesses with moksha/renunciation,
KSHI- “KSHI” removes all kinds of diseases (Sarva vyaadhi nivaarana),
NAM – “NAM” blesses with all-round prosperity and wealth.
Every point on the circumference of a circle is equidistant from the centre. This means that everywhere one is equally close to the lord. His grace flows towards us without partiality.
Parikrama or Pradakshina
Parikrama or Pradakshina refers to the circumambulation of sacred places like fire, trees and plants in the Hindu tradition. It is walking around in a circle as a form of worship. Pradakshina is done around the Tulsi plant and Peepal tree.
Parikrama means “the path surrounding something” in Sanskrit and is also known as Pradakshina (“to the right”) representing circumambulation.
Pradakshina means – to the right (Dakshina means right). So, in Pradakshina, one goes in the left-hand direction to keep the deity around the Sanctum Sanctorum on one’s right side. Pradakshina is one of the customary aspects that is to be performed in the temple.
Pradakshina is supposed to be done with a meditative mood. It is done in a clockwise direction assuming God in the centre of our existence. The main principle of Pradakshina is the eternal truth that God is the centre of gravity and the main focus of our existence.
It is one among the upacharas in Shodasoupachara (16 steps of prayer), it symbolizes complete surrender to the lord and seeks his blessings for the fulfilment of the truth of life.
While making Pradakshinams
- The Pradakshinams must be started from the Dhwajastamba in a clockwise direction.
- While observing this seva, one must walk or roll slowly chanting the lord’s name (the deity for whom you are offering the seva).
- Don’t hurry or rush while making pradakshinam.
- Generally, devotees offer a minimum of 3, 9, 11, 21 or sometimes 108 pradakshinams depending upon their vow for wish fulfilment. While doing these pradakshinams, one must hold both hands together in Namashkar pose.
Concentration is must
While doing pradakshinams, our concentration should be mainly on God, thus chant Ashtotra or any short verses on the Deity. It is also advisable to hold a Haldi stick (Pasupu kommu) or Betel nut (Vakka) or flowers (When making 108 pradakshinams, hold 108 flowers or any auspicious materials) for easy remembrance of the count.
Otherwise, thoughts go around counting the pradakshinams and there is no result in doing such seva.
Dhwajasthambha is included in the pradakshinams. After completion of each Pradakshina, Namaskara is made holding both hands together near Dhwajasthamba and proceed further. After doing Pradakshinams, enter the temple from the right side of Dhwajasthambha and exit on the left side of the Dhwajasthambha.
TYPES OF PRADAKSHINAMS
- Atma Pradakshina: After completion of vrata or daily pooja, Atma Pradakshinam is to be done. In this type of Pradakshina, we go around ourselves, The significance is that the ego which goes around like a whirlwind will be destroyed.
- Paada Pradakshina: In this type of Pradakshina, the devotee must walk around the temple.
- Danda Pradakshina: In this type of Pradakshina, the devotee must take a step to do Sashtanga Pranama, again take another step and do Sashtanga Pranama (Sa ashta anga means Eight parts of the body touching the ground).
- Anga Pradakshina: In this type of Pradakshina, the devotee must lie prostrate and roll around the temple. Generally, this Pradakshina will be done with wet clothes. This is the most powerful Pradakshinam for wish fulfilment.
First and Foremost
As we all know, the story leads to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Ganesha and Karthikeya. Lord Shiva had instructed his sons, Ganesha and Karthikeya, to go around the world in the pursuit of knowledge.
Karthikeya hopped onto his peacock and went all over the world, while Ganesha, circumambulated his father, Lord Shiva and mother Parvathi, justifying his actions by saying that the whole world is His Mother & Father.
This legend justifies the importance of our parents. We should adopt these types of traditions in our daily lives in educating our children.
The scientific reason behind ‘Pradakshinam’
Performing Pradakshinam is a very physical and practical aspect. Scientifically speaking, every point on the circumference of the circle is equidistant from the centre which means equally close to the Lord.
Therefore, when Parikrama around the idol is done, one gets charged with all the positive energies radiating from the idol. It cures many illnesses and rejuvenates the mind.
