Did you know there are different Parikramas for different Gods

Parikrama or Pradakshina is an age-old practice that even little kids are taught to do whenever in a temple. But, not many know how many Parikramas should be done around each deity and that there is a different count for each one of them. Doing Parikramas or circumambulations as some people call it, is a way to express devotion and reverence towards the divine. Doing Parikrama around a deity is believed to invoke blessings, purify one's soul, and deepen their connection with the divine presence. Doing a Parikrama is a symbol of telling God that they are at the centre of our life and the Parikrama is a form of devotion.

Here we mention how many times one should perform Parikrama around different Gods.

Lord Shiva, the epitome of a Yogi and discipline, is both loved and feared by people. And while doing a Parikrama around a Shiv Linga, it is said that devotees should only do half parikrama and not go in a full, round circle around the Shiva Linga or an idol of Lord Shiva. It is said that one should never skip or step ahead of the narrow lane through which the milk or water offered to the Shiva Linga goes out from.

Maa Durga is the symbol of strength, courage and the divine feminine. She is worshipped for both her fierceness and her caring, nurturing nature. It is said that devotees should only do one parikrama around Maa Durga’s idol and no more than that. A single parikrama around Maa Durga represents unity and completeness, emphasising the belief in her presence, power and unconditional love.

Lord Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and the son of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. It is said that devotees should do three parikramas around Ganesh ji and no more than that. According to a legend, when Lord Kartikeya and Lord Ganesh started fighting about something, Lord Shiva said that the one who completes a circle around the world three times first will get the prize. Lord Kartikeya started immediately but Lord Ganesha went around his parents three times and explained that they were his world and hence he completed his circumambulations around his parents. From that day on, Lord Ganesha’s parikrama became 3 circles around his idol.

Lord Hanuman, the symbol of utmost devotion and strength, is looked upto for his unwavering dedication to Lord Rama. From lighting Lanka on fire to getting the Sanjeevani for Lakshmana, Hanuman ji helped Lord Ram in every way possible in the Ramayana.
It is said that devotees should perform parikrama around Lord Hanuman three times and no more for those 3 circles are the representations of strength, wisdom, and humility.

Lord Vishnu is the preserver of the universe and is worshipped for maintaining the cosmic order. It is said that to invoke Lord Vishnu’s blessings, people should perform Parikrama around him or his idol in a temple 4 times and should always go clockwise. The four parikramas are believed to be a symbol of the 4 cycles of life as a human - birth, life, death, and rebirth.

Shani Dev is one associated with justice and discipline. It is said that in many situations in life, it is Shani Dev who decides people’s destinies and the effects of karma. It is said that one should do Parikrama 7 times around the idol of Shani Dev to remove any bad effects or ill energies that might be around them.