Why do people circle temples or sacred objects (pradakshina); know all about this ancient ritual

The tradition of circumambulating temples or sacred objects is known as pradakshina and is an extremely significant ritual in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It is a circular movement of a shrine, god, or sacred monument in a clockwise manner as an indication of respect and devotion. But why is the practice continued, and what does it signify? To know pradakshina is to know how the movement of the body is made a spiritual practice and way to be in closer proximity to the divine.

Pradakshina refers to "to the right side" in Sanskrit. It is to go around a sacred thing with the sacred object to one's right-hand side. This is always performed in a clockwise direction, which is a beneficial direction. Practitioners have traditionally circumambulated a temple, image of a deity, or a holy tree or stone while reciting mantras or making prayers.
This is not only a ritualistic practice but also symbolic. Humble and respectful, it is one of the ways to identify oneself in the religious sphere, both mentally and physically.

The cosmic order is a prime impetus behind circulation in a clockwise direction during pradakshina. The sun, the moon, and the planets orbit the apparent path through the sky in a clockwise direction, which symbolizes the natural rhythm and flow of time. Thus, circulating in a clockwise direction before holy places is a way of synchronizing their movement and energies with the natural flow and cosmic order.
This alignment with the universe is thought to attract beneficial energy, harmony, and auspiciousness.

This movement of circling the divine to the right depicts piety, respect, and devotion. It shows that the practitioner acknowledges the presence and guidance of the deity in all steps of his life. Going with the deity to the right means the sacred is always near, safeguarding and guiding the believer's journey in life.

Pradakshina is not just a ritual; it is enriching spiritually and psychologically as well. The movement in circular form in the clockwise direction induces a state of mindfulness and meditation, which calms the minds of the devotees and makes them focus on spiritual values.
The ceremony is also a reminder of the cycle of life: birth, death, and rebirth, a central proposition in Eastern spiritualities. Through the physical movement of circulating a circle, believers symbolically connect the immortal cycle of existence and their lives on the spiritual path, facilitating higher self-awareness and consciousness.

By this act of physical submission and commitment, the believers find themselves closely related to something beyond themselves—something akin to the divine, the universe, or the other faithful. Pradakshina is an emotive prayer that binds the self to the universal and collective and induces a feeling of calmness and religious satisfaction.