Pradakshina or Circling temple from South. Why we do it?
Every time we visit a temple, we perform 'Pradakshina' i.e. we walk in the clockwise circular path around the temple. There are various ways to worship like by performing Namaskaram, touching legs, bowing down, etc. but Pradakshina is performed mostly at temples. Indians follow this tradition from last thousands of years. If performing Pradakshina is just a tradition? Or some scientific fact is hidden behind this tradition?
Let's try to find out!
Meaning of word Pradakshina
Word Pradakshina consists of two words i.e. Pra+Dakshina. In Sanskrit, Dakshina means South Direction. So, Pra+Dakshina means moving from South Direction. So, when we perform Pradakshina at the temple we rotate around temple's zenith from South in the clockwise direction.
So, if temples zenith has any significance in Indian culture?
In ancient Indian scriptures, it is mentioned that temple's zenith is considered as Abode of Lord Vishnu i.e. Satya Loka. In ancient Indian scriptures, it is also mentioned that Satya Loka is above North Pole Star i.e. Dhruva. So, it seems temple's zenith has some relation with North Pole Star. Also, it is mentioned that North Pole Star is located at the extreme North of Trailokya.
In Sanskrit, Trailokya means three worlds together. In Indian culture, it is believed that there are three different worlds Swarga Loka, Mrityu Loka and Patala Loka. These three worlds together called Trailokya.
Some scientific facts about North Pole Star and motion of stars and planets in the sky
1) North Pole Star is the only constant star in the sky. Since ancient times North Pole Star's constant position is used by sailors to find North direction.
2) At the North Pole, North Pole Star can be constantly observed at the zenith of the sky i.e. right on top your head. While all other stars and planets appear to rotate around North Pole Star from South in the clockwise direction.
3) At the Equator, all stars and planets rise from East and set at West.
4) At the South Pole, North Pole Star is not at all visible.
Below diagram explains the motion of stars and planets as observed from different parts of Earth:
The turning of the sky looks different depending on your latitude on Earth. (a) At the North Pole, the stars circle the zenith and do not rise and set. (b) At the equator, the celestial poles are on the horizon, and the stars rise straight up and set straight down. (c) At intermediate latitudes, the north celestial pole is at some position between overhead and the horizon. Its angle above the horizon turns out to be equal to the observer’s latitude. Stars rise and set at an angle to the horizon.
So, it seems that there is a close similarity between the clockwise motion of stars and planets around North Pole Star as observed from the North Pole and clockwise Pradakshina around Zenith of the temple.
This similarity between a scientific astronomical fact and Indian tradition of performing Pradakshina at temples suggest that tradition of performing Pradakshina was introduced by Ancient Indian Scholars to replicate scientific fact which can be observed from Northern Polar Area.
Like Pradakshina many ancient Indian traditions and beliefs are based on observed scientific facts.
Note: If you like this analysis, please leave your comment in comment section given below. Also, check out other articles and books.
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Dhruva- The Center Of Heavenly Clock and Our Life: https://www.amazon.in/Dhruva-Center-Heavenly-Clock-Life-ebook/dp/B078GTYCBV
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