Jain Heritage and Beyond

Author(s): Shailesh Shah
Publisher: Oshwal Associations of The UK

Page 52

Pradakshina: Circumambulating the Image
The approach to the garbhagruha and the
circumambulatory passage
Outward radiation of energy from the
centre of the garbhagruha
The most significant aspect of deveotional dynamism in templetradition is the circumambulation (Pradakshina) which proceeds in a clockwise direction around a sacred person, image or object and even around the temple itself. This circumambulation is a rite constituting a bodily participation in movements and prayer. Most temples are furnished with ambulatory passageways. Circumambulation takes the worshipper from the doorway of the sanctuary, housing the image of the Deity, around the sanctuary in a clockwise direction where further icons introduce other aspects of the divine.
The centre of the sanctuary functions as the focus of other dynamic which are realized through a process of symbolic association. To begin with there is the radiation of energy outwards from the centre of the sanctuary in four directions. The sacredness of the image in the sanctum of the temple expresses itself as a powerful force whose influence expands outwards; hence the potency of sacred images that are aligned with these forces, especially those positioned in the centres of the north, west and south sanctuary walls. These secondary images are often given prominence by being set within projecting and elaborately decorated niches. As a further extension of the idea of these lines of energy providing potency, images are placed at the four corners as well as at the centres of the sanctuary walls. A connection with the guardian deities of the eight directions of the universe is sometimes realized in temple architecture with the positioning of the eight gods around the temple.
The rite of circumambulation is more a communion by movement with the images stationed on the walls than a visual recognition of their identity and the perfection of their workmanship. Where no special passage for circumambulation has been provided, circumambulation of the entire temple is performed. Viewed from the outside, the temple structure with its multi-butterssed walls, images, multiple shikhar's etc. is humbling and are inspiring, helping communion with the Lord.