Pradakshina: Circumambulation Around Sacred Object
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Hinduism In Mecca..
Pradakshina (Sanskrit), meaning circumambulation, consists of walking around in a 'circle' as a form of worship in Hindu ceremonies in India. The devotees walk around the sanctum sanctorum, the innermost chamber of the shrine housing the temple deity. It is done around sacred fire (Agni), trees and plants as well. Thus Pradakshina is done around Tulsi plant and Peepal tree. Pradakshina or Parikrama is done in pilgrimage centres also. Parikrama around the Govardhana mount near Mathura (UP) is very famous. This parikrama involves a walk of 26 miles around Govardhana hillock which is related to Shri Krishna's life as a child.
Speciality of Pradakshina in SHIVA Temples
In the Shiva temples, the devotees start the Pradakshina as usual from the front and go clockwise till they reach the drainage opening from the Sanctum Sanctorum. The drainage outlet for the ritual ablution offered on the Shiva Linga with water, milk, curd, coconut water, etc. is not to be crossed. So the worshippers have to return in anti-clockwise direction till they reach the other side of the drainage outlet to complete the circle. Thereafter they have to return to the front in the clockwise direction.
Number of Circumambulation / Pradakshinas
For each deity, the minimum number of Pradakshinas to be done are specified.- Ganesha 1
- Shiva 2
- Vishnu 3
- Ayyappa 4
- Subrahmanya (Karthikeya) 5
- Durga 6
- Peepal Tree 7
Total 7 times as the minimum..
http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumambulation
http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pradakshina -
Peace,
Thanks for posting this
Maria