Parikrama, also known as pradakshina, is a deeply spiritual practice where devotees walk around a deity or temple sanctum in a clockwise direction. It’s a way of expressing devotion, surrender, and connection with divine energy. But have you ever wondered why it’s advised not to bow your head when you’re at the back of the deity during parikrama? Let’s explore the significance behind this tradition.
The Devotee’s Lesson
One day, a devoted seeker named Anirudh visited a grand temple to seek blessings from the deity. As he entered, he saw many people performing parikrama with deep reverence. Wanting to show utmost respect, he too began his circumambulation, bowing his head each time he felt overwhelmed by devotion.
As he reached the back of the deity, an elderly priest gently placed a hand on his shoulder and whispered, “Son, do not bow here.”
Confused, Anirudh asked, “Why, Acharya? Is the back of the deity not sacred?”
The priest smiled and said, “Imagine you are in the presence of a great teacher. Would you bow to his back, or would you look into his eyes and seek his wisdom? The divine presence flows from the front of the deity, through its gaze, hands, and form. When you bow at the front, you receive its grace fully. Keep walking in devotion, and when you return to the front, bow with all your heart.”
Anirudh understood. He completed his parikrama mindfully, saving his deepest bow for when he was in front of the deity. That day, he learned that rituals are not just about actions but about understanding their deeper meaning.
Respecting the Divine Presence
In Hindu tradition, the deity isn’t just a statue—it’s believed to be infused with divine energy. Just as you wouldn’t bow to the back of an elder or a respected person, bowing when you’re behind the deity is considered improper. The front of the deity symbolizes grace, wisdom, and blessings, and that’s where reverence is most powerfully received.
Bowing is an act of humility and surrender, but it’s traditionally done when directly facing the deity to absorb its blessings fully. At the back, this alignment is disrupted, which is why it’s discouraged.
The Energy of the Deity Flows from the Front
Hindu spiritual philosophy teaches that the front of the deity is where divine energy is most actively radiating. The eyes of the deity are said to transmit grace (kripa) and protection. That’s why bowing while facing the front is considered the most sacred.
Temples are constructed using vastu shastra and sacred geometry, ensuring that divine energy flows in a specific way. The deity’s gaze or netra is believed to be a direct channel for spiritual energy, making it the ideal place to offer your respects.
Parikrama is a Continuous, Unbroken Flow
Parikrama represents the endless cycle of life and devotion. It’s meant to be a smooth, uninterrupted movement. Stopping to bow when at the back of the deity breaks this spiritual rhythm. Instead, you’re encouraged to keep moving mindfully and complete the full circle before bowing at the front.
In a way, pradakshina mirrors the cosmic movement of planets around the sun—fluid, continuous, and aligned with divine order. Staying in motion ensures you stay connected to this rhythm.
Honoring Temple Traditions
While most temples follow the general rule of clockwise parikrama, some temples have unique customs:
- In certain Shakti temples, devotees perform counterclockwise pradakshina (apradakshina) to honor the fierce form of the Goddess.
- In Vishnu temples, keeping the deity on the right side is strictly followed.
- Some South Indian temples have multiple levels of parikrama, with inner circles reserved for priests and serious practitioners.
Understanding and respecting these customs allows for a more enriching spiritual experience.
How to Show Respect During Parikrama
To get the most out of your spiritual practice, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Maintain a prayerful, meditative mindset as you walk.
- Keep your hands folded in Anjali Mudra (Namaste).
- Bow deeply and offer full prostration (sashtang pranam) only when in front of the deity.
- Silently recite mantras or prayers while doing parikrama.
- Walk at a steady pace, absorbing the energy and maintaining awareness of the sacred space.
Parikrama is more than just a temple ritual—it’s a symbolic act of surrender, devotion, and alignment with divine consciousness. By understanding why we don’t bow at the back of the deity, we can perform it with deeper awareness and reverence.
The beauty of Hindu temple traditions lies in their meaning and depth. Would you like to explore more temple customs or the significance of sacred architecture? Let me know in the comments!