Significance of Circumambulation
Synonyms: Procession, Pilgrimage, Circuit, Walking around
In Dutch: Rondgang; In Finnish: Kiertokierto; In Spanish: Circunvalación
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Circumambulation'
Circumambulation in Buddhism is a devotional practice where individuals walk around a stupa or temple, symbolizing respect and reverence, often carried out by laypersons to deepen their spiritual connection.
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) The ritual practice of walking around a stupa or temple, frequently performed by the laity as a form of devotion.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Circumambulation'
Circumambulation in Hinduism, known as Pradakshina, involves walking around sacred objects or spaces as a ritual of devotion and respect, believed to enhance spiritual merit and foster a connection with the divine.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The act of walking around the temple or deities in a ritual manner, believed to confer spiritual benefits and liberation from sins.[2] (2) A spiritual ritual performed by walking around a sacred space, believed to yield significant merit.[3] (3) The practice of walking around the deity or sacred space, a physical manifestation of devotion believed to connect devotees with the divine.[4] (4) The act of moving around a sacred object or place in a clockwise direction as a form of worship.[5] (5) The act of walking around a sacred entity, such as the city or the mountain, with a focus on attaining welfare and fulfilling spiritual desires.[6]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) An act of walking around a sacred object, particularly important in the worship of Shiva for removing sins.[7] (2) The act of walking around the deity or sacred object, as a mark of respect and devotion.[8] (3) The act of walking around a sacred object or person, performed multiple times as a sign of devotion.[9] (4) Walking around a sacred object or place as a form of devotion during the rites.[10] (5) The act of walking around a holy object or figure, performed during worship ceremonies.[11]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A ritual act performed by Rama as he departs from Ayodhya, showcasing respect for his family and the kingdom.[12] (2) The ritual act of walking around sacred objects or areas during the shraddha ceremony, done clockwise or anticlockwise depending on context.[13] (3) The act of moving around a sacred object or space as a form of respect or devotion.[14]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The act of walking around a holy object or place, a practice that invokes blessings and is a form of reverence.[15] (2) The act of moving around a sacred object or place as a form of worship, emphasizing devotion and respect towards the divine.[16]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The act of moving around a sacred object or person as part of a worship practice.[17] (2) The act of walking around the Linga, performed as a mark of respect and devotion during the worship process.[18]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The act of walking around a sacred object or place as a form of devotion.[19]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The act of moving around in a circle, in this context referring to the ritual of going around Lord Krishna.[20] (2) The act of moving around a sacred object or place in a ritualistic manner.[21] (3) The act of walking around a sacred object or fire as part of a ritual or ceremony, specifically performed during the wedding.[22] (4) The act of going around a sacred place or object as a form of worship or respect.[23] (5) The act of moving around a central object or place as a form of worship or respect.[24]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Pradakshina, the act of walking around a deity or sacred object as a form of devotion.[25] (2) The act of walking around a sacred object or place, often as a form of worship or respect.[26]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The act of walking around a sacred object or space, potentially excessive in its practice.[27] (2) The act of moving around a sacred object or place, seen as a practice that may not be necessary for deeper devotion for true believers.[28]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A ritualistic practice of walking around a sacred figure or object in reverence.[29]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The act of moving around a sacred object or idol, specifically referring to the practice of walking around the Deity of Vishnu.[30]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A ritual of walking around a sacred entity, which was performed daily by Shrila Sanatana as an expression of devotion.[31]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The act of going around a sacred object or fire, significant in the marriage rituals.[32]
From: Apastamba Grihya-sutra
(1) The ritual act of walking around the fire, repeated multiple times as part of the ceremony.[33]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) The ritual procession around a village or temple, following specific paths to honor deities and ensure blessings.[34]
Jain concept of 'Circumambulation'
Circumambulation in Jainism is a physical act of walking around a sacred object, embodying devotion and respect towards the preceptor, signifying an individual's reverence and commitment to their spiritual beliefs.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A physical act of reverence performed by walking around a sacred object, symbolizing devotion and respect towards the preceptor.[35]
The concept of Circumambulation in local and regional sources
Circumambulation is the practice of respectfully walking clockwise around a sacred object, such as a dagaba or Bodhi-tree, symbolizing reverence and devotion in various religious traditions. It emphasizes the significance of sacred spaces.
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) The act of walking around a sacred object (e.g., a dagaba or Bodhi-tree) in a clockwise direction as a sign of respect.[36]