What Pradakshina Means
Pradakshina (or parikrama) is the act of walking reverently around the deity or the sanctum of a temple. The word itself reveals its meaning: pra-dakshina points to dakshina, the right side - to circle the deity while always keeping it to your right.
This is why pradakshina is done clockwise. As we walk, our right side - considered the side of respect and auspiciousness - stays turned toward the divine throughout. The deity remains the unmoving centre, and our whole movement, like a planet around the sun, revolves around that sacred centre.
Why Clockwise & Keeping the Deity to the Right
The clockwise direction is full of meaning in Hindu thought.
- The right side is the side of respect: Offering our right side to the deity is a gesture of honour - we keep the divine in the place of dignity as we move.
- In harmony with nature: The sun appears to move clockwise across the sky from east to south to west. Pradakshina follows this natural, auspicious direction of cosmic movement.
- The deity as our centre: Circling the Lord makes the divine the fixed centre of our life, while we, the seekers, revolve around it - a beautiful symbol of surrender.
- A reminder of life's circle: Each round reminds us that life moves in cycles, and that whatever we do, the divine remains our steady centre.
Walking the wrong way, anti-clockwise (apradakshina), is traditionally avoided except in a few specific rites, because it turns our left, not our right, toward the deity.
Traditional & Symbolic Reasons
Pradakshina carries layers of devotional and reflective meaning.
- A walking prayer: Each slow, mindful round, done with the deity's name on the lips, becomes a meditation in motion that deepens devotion.
- Drawing in blessings: Circling the sanctum is believed to let us absorb the sacred, peaceful energy that gathers around the deity.
- Surrender and gratitude: With folded hands and a quiet prayer, the rounds express that our whole life revolves around the divine.
- Honouring the murti: It is a way of viewing and honouring the deity from every side, not just the front.
Different deities have their own traditional number of rounds - for example, devotees often offer a particular count for Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Surya and Ganesha. The exact numbers vary by tradition, so it is best to follow local custom with devotion.
How to Do Pradakshina
1. Begin from the front: Stand before the deity, fold your hands and bow, then start walking toward your left so that the deity stays on your right (clockwise). 2. Walk slowly and mindfully: Move with awareness, the deity's name or a mantra on your lips, hands folded in pranam. 3. Complete full rounds: Circle the sanctum or murti fully, returning to the front; offer the customary number of rounds for that deity per local tradition. 4. Keep within the marked path: Stay on the parikrama path; in some temples one does not cross the deity's front line (especially the Shiva linga's drain) - follow the temple's guidance. 5. Close with a prayer: Return to the front, bow, and offer a final pranam with gratitude.
Done unhurried and with love, pradakshina turns a simple walk into a heartfelt offering and a meditation around the divine.
Reader Questions Answered
Why is pradakshina done clockwise?+
Clockwise movement keeps the deity always on your right side, which is the side of respect and auspiciousness in Hindu tradition. It also follows the sun's natural path across the sky, making the direction harmonious and auspicious.
What does pradakshina symbolise?+
Circling the deity makes the divine the fixed centre of our life while we revolve around it, like a planet around the sun. It is a beautiful symbol of surrender, gratitude, and the truth that our whole life turns around the divine.
How many times should I do pradakshina?+
Different deities have their own traditional number of rounds, and the exact counts vary by region and tradition. It is best to follow the local custom of the temple you are visiting, offering each round slowly and with devotion.
Is it wrong to walk anti-clockwise around a deity?+
Walking anti-clockwise (apradakshina) is traditionally avoided in normal worship, because it turns your left instead of your right toward the deity. The clockwise direction is the standard, except in a few specific rites where the reverse is prescribed.
About the author
Pandit Ravindra Sharma · Vedic Rituals & Bhakti, 22+ years
Pandit Ravindra is the Vandnaa editorial team's resident specialist on aarti, chalisa, and daily devotion. He has performed home and temple pujas across Varanasi and Delhi for over two decades and contributes the bhakti-focused articles on this site.
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