Pradakshina means walking slowly around the deity in a clockwise direction, always keeping the deity on your right side. Most Telugu families do three rounds on a normal temple visit, nine for the Navagrahas, and 11, 21 or 108 when fulfilling a vow. After pradakshina, men traditionally offer sashtanga namaskaram and women panchanga namaskaram, usually near the dhwajasthambham, facing the deity.
What is pradakshina and why do we do it?
The word pradakshina comes from dakshina, meaning right. Walking with the deity on your right is a gesture of respect, and elders explain it as a reminder that God is the centre of our life and all our actions revolve around Him, just as the planets revolve around the Sun.
A well-known verse recited during pradakshina is:
Yani kani cha papani janmantara kritani cha, Tani tani vinashyanti pradakshina pade pade
It means that the sins accumulated over many lifetimes are removed with every step of pradakshina. That is why each step is meant to be taken mindfully, not in a hurry.
Which direction and how should you walk?
Pradakshina is always clockwise. Stand before the sanctum, offer namaskaram, then turn to your right and begin walking so that the deity stays on your right shoulder.
- Stand in front of the deity in the mukha mantapam and offer namaskaram with folded hands.
- Chant the deity's name or a simple nama such as Om Namah Shivaya or Om Namo Narayanaya silently as you walk.
- Walk slowly and calmly. Elders say one should walk as gently as a woman in the last stage of pregnancy.
- At the end of each round, pause in front of the sanctum and bow before continuing.
- After completing your rounds, offer namaskaram near the dhwajasthambham and sit quietly for a few minutes.
Avoid talking, using the phone or pushing past others. Keeping the hands folded during the walk is a good habit.
How many rounds of pradakshina should you do?
The number varies by region, temple and family custom, and some texts prescribe different numbers for different deities. The common practice is:
| Occasion | Usual number of rounds |
|---|---|
| Regular temple darshan | 3 (odd numbers are preferred) |
| Navagrahas | 9 |
| Shiva temple | Chandi or Somasutra pradakshina |
| Vow or vratam | 11, 21, 54 or 108 |
| Peepal tree (Ashwattha) | Many do 7 or 108 |
| After puja at home | Atma pradakshina, turning once or thrice in place |
Devotion matters more than the count. If your family follows a particular number, continue it; when in doubt, ask the temple archaka or your family purohit.
Why is pradakshina different in a Shiva temple?
In Shaiva tradition, one should not cross the outlet through which the abhishekam water of the Shivalingam flows out, called the somasutra or gomukhi. So devotees walk up to the somasutra, turn back and return the other way. This is known as Chandi pradakshina or Somasutra pradakshina, and because it traces a half-moon some people call it ardha pradakshina.
Not every Shiva temple follows this strictly; in larger temples you can often walk fully around the outer prakaram. Watch what local devotees do and follow the temple's custom.
What is sashtanga namaskaram and how is it done?
Sashtanga means with eight limbs. The chest, head, eyes, mind, speech, feet, hands and knees are all offered to God. The idea is that not only the body but also the mind and words bow down.
Step by step
- Stand straight facing the deity with folded hands.
- Kneel, place your palms on the floor and slowly stretch the body forward.
- Lie face down so that the forehead, chest, hands, knees and toes touch the ground.
- Stretch the arms ahead with palms joined or resting on the floor, and remember the deity's name.
- Rise slowly and fold your hands again.
Why do women offer panchanga namaskaram?
In Telugu tradition, women usually offer panchanga namaskaram instead of lying fully prostrate. They kneel, place the hands on the floor and touch the forehead to the ground, without the chest and abdomen touching the floor. Customs can vary slightly between families.
Where should you offer namaskaram in a temple?
Prostrating in the busy path close to the sanctum can obstruct other devotees. Most temples expect namaskaram near the dhwajasthambham or behind the balipeetham, facing the deity, and some have a dedicated space for it.
- Make sure your feet do not point towards another shrine or towards other people.
- Some temples ask devotees not to lie between the deity and the dhwajasthambham.
- When it is crowded, a standing namaskaram with folded hands is perfectly fine.
- Elders, people with knee problems and pregnant women need not prostrate; a heartfelt standing namaskaram is enough.
Anga pradakshina and atma pradakshina
Anga pradakshina is rolling on the ground around the temple, usually done as a special vow. Some major kshetrams have fixed times and rules for it, so check with the temple office first, and do not attempt it if your health does not allow.
Atma pradakshina is turning once clockwise in place after puja at home, when there is no room to walk around the altar. It reflects the belief that the Paramatma also dwells within us.
Key points
- Always walk clockwise with the deity on your right.
- Three rounds for regular darshan and nine for the Navagrahas are most common.
- In Shiva temples, many follow Chandi pradakshina and do not cross the somasutra.
- Walk slowly, silently and with nama smarana.
- Men usually offer sashtanga and women panchanga namaskaram.
- If health does not permit, a standing namaskaram with devotion is enough.