Why do we go Clockwise around Temples: Pradakshina

Dear readers, if you’ve ever visited a temple, you might have almost certainly noticed devotees walking around the temple idols in a clockwise direction. But have you ever wondered why? What is the symbolic reasoning behind this act of  walking clockwise around the temple deities? This practice is referred to as Pradakshina, Pratikrama, or Circumambulation in Hinduism. While it may seem like a simple act of reverence, it is an important cultural practice in Hinduism, holding deeply spiritual, symbolic, and even scientific significance.

Pradakshina is a sacred practice in Hinduism where devotees go around the temple’s “garbha griha”, or the innermost chamber of the temple shrine, which is the locus of the idol of the deity. They do it with folded palms and eyes closed in deep devotion. While mostly practiced around the innermost idols, Pradakshina is also done around the sacred fire, trees and plants like the Peepal tree and the Tulsi plant. Pradakshina isn’t just an ordinary Hindu ritual, it is one of the most important features of the “Shodashopachara”, which is the standard sixteen-step guide to ritualistic Hindu worship. Therefore in Hinduism, any temple visit is often considered incomplete without circumambulation. 

The Core Idea Behind Pradakshina- Spiritual Symbolism : 

Etymologically, the word Pradakshina is a Sanskrit word, composed of two parts- “Pra” meaning forward or to, “Dakshina”, meaning the right direction. Therefore, the word itself symbolises the act of circling a sacred object or a place, in a clockwise direction where the object of reverence always stays on the devotee’s right side. 

Pradakshina is always performed in a clockwise direction, because it reinstates the idea that the supreme God exists in the center of all existence. It beautifully reaffirms the core Hindu belief that all our actions, all our karma, ultimately revolve back to the divine, reminding us that God is at the heart of our lives. So when devotees move in the clockwise direction, it is believed that all thought and movement, all of our body and mind are centered on God. 

Just as the Sun remains at the focus of the Solar system while other planets revolve around it, similarly God too remains at the heart of all our good actions, reminding us that all karma must be performed with the remembrance of the divine essence in everything that we do. This helps us lead a life of righteousness and Dharma.

Significance of  Clockwise Direction in Pradakshina

The direction of movement in Pradakshina is never arbitrary, and matters deeply. Devotees always walk clockwise around temples, and this has a religious, symbolic and even scientific basis. Let us look at some of those-

Alignment with the Cosmic Rhythm: Our planet Earth rotates from west to east. This is the reason that the Sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west. When devotees walk in a clockwise direction, they move in perfect harmony with this natural cycle of the cosmos- the Sun and the universe, therefore acting as a gentle reminder for devotees to align themselves with the natural flow of cosmic order

Right Side Dominance : In Hindu tradition, the right side is usually considered auspicious. All acts of God must be performed using the right hand. Walking clockwise ensures that the right side of the body is constantly facing the deity, signifying their deep respect and total surrender to God.

Alignment with sacred energy of temples : The architects of ancient temples believed that moving clockwise allows devotees to remain in synchronization with the temple’s magnetic and spiritual energy flow. Whereas, walking in the opposite direction is said to interrupt this alignment and disturb the flow of divine energy.

At its very core, this ancient practice of circumambulation is all about reminding ourselves of what matters the most. By moving clockwise around temples, we align our lives and energies with the universal and cosmic rhythm, honoring the divine presence with every step, and keeping our minds anchored in devotion.

Health Benefits of Pradakshina

Performing Pradakshina also brings multiple health to devotees, beyond its symbolic relevance. While it might look like a simple walk, the way it is done inside a temple provides us with the following benefits-

1. Gentle Exercise : Walking slowly around the temple improves blood circulation and joint flexibility in our body. Especially for elderly devotees, this kind of low-impact movement keeps the body active without strain.

2. Better Breathing : The serene and calm environment of a temple naturally slows down breathing. Steady breaths and gentle walks during Pradakshina help reduce stress and balance oxygen levels in the body.

3. Stress Buster : The powerful  combination of circular walking, mantra chanting, and focusing on the deity creates a meditative rhythm. This helps with lowering anxiety and gives the mind a sense of peace.

4.Improved Focus :  Repetitive actions can subtly train our brain to concentrate. Just like breathwork meditation improves our attention span, regular Pradakshina can help the mind stay centered and less distracted.

5.Positive Natural Energy:  Temples are always built on spaces considered high in natural energy. Walking clockwise around temples allows devotees to stay within the Earth’s energy field longer, which is described by many devotees as feeling refreshed and lighter after temple visits.

Historical and Scriptural Roots: 

The practice of Pradakshina is very ancient. References to it can be found in the Rigveda and thee Puranas, where circling the divine has been described as a way of surrendering to the one, supreme God. Scriptures mention that performing Pradakshina earns devotees the same merits as reciting the Vedas. It is said to burn away our ego, reminding devotees that life must always revolve around Dharma. Devotees also believe that Pradakshina washes away our sins and grants us divine forgiveness. Over the past few centuries, this practice has  spread across different regions of India, with slight variations. In Southern India, devotees may perform multiple rounds of Pradakshina, both before and after puja. While In North India, it is often performed as the final act after offering prayers. Despite its regional variations, the core principle of Pradakshina remains universal.

Pradakshina- A Meditative Experience

Beyond its deep-rooted symbolism, Pradakshina also acts as meditation in motion. The act of circling, step after step, creates a sense of rhythm. Our breath becomes calm, mind quietens, and focus gradually shifts inward. Many devotees also chant mantras while walking. This also layers our physical movement with sound vibrations, creating a powerful loop of energy. This is why, for some devotees, a few rounds of Pradakshina can bring the same tranquility and quiet as an enriching meditation session.

So the next time you visit a temple, remember, this beautiful act of walking clockwise around the deity isn’t just a ritual. It is a wholesome blend of religion, spirituality and science. 

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