[Monali Dadke]

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Secrets of pradikshanam

-By Monali Dadke

 

Have you ever wondered why we Hindus perform pradikshinam around deities ? or why pradikshinas are performed in a circle only ? If yes then I have come up with some answers that will feed your curiosity . all the planets revolve around and the sun is the centre  of the galaxy . The sun being the source of energy lies at the centre . This gives a clearer view of the idea of the circumambulation [pradikshanam]. Centre is important for drawing a circle and every point on the circle is equidistant to the centre. A similar relation is there between us and God . By performing pradikshanam we acknowledge the presence and power of deities in our life. Pradikshina is done around Agni, Tulsi ,Peepal tree and cow

Pradakshina is the Sanskrit word which literally means to the right. Hence in pradakshina one goes left [clockwise] to keep deities on the right side . It is mentioned in the Skanda purana that every step in pradikshana destroys our sins committed by mind,speech and body.  As per skanda purana performing pradakshina dispels sin,destroys karma and bestows salvation.  one must perform pradikshana slowly, not in hurry. Number of pradakshinas to be performed are different as per type of deities or as per intention of the person. Generally ,for male deities the number of pradakshina should be even and odd for female deities.

There are types of pradakshinam as Atma pradakshina – turning around oneself and recognising atma .  Giri pradikshina is performed around the holy hill. Angapradakshinam where pradikshina is performed in wet clothes and chanting deities.

 

 

 

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