Answer

In Jain Dharma, we do Pradakshina around the Jin Pratima, Jinalay, or sacred object as a sign of reverence, humility, and devotion.

It means: “May the Arihant Bhagwan and the path of liberation remain at the center of my life.”

Explanation

During Pradakshina, we walk around the sacred object while keeping it on our right side. The right side is traditionally considered auspicious and respectful.

Pradakshina expresses:

• Respect for Arihant Bhagwan and the Jain path
• Humility, by placing the Divine at the center
• Devotion, by remembering the qualities of the Tirthankars
• Inner focus, by turning the mind toward samyak darshan, samyak jnan, and samyak charitra

It is not done to ask for worldly favors. In Jain Dharma, the Tirthankars are worshipped for their pure qualities, not as creators or controllers of our destiny.

Spiritual Understanding

Pradakshina reminds us that our life should revolve around:

• Right Faith
• Right Knowledge
• Right Conduct
• Non-violence
• Self-purification
• Liberation from karma

As the body walks around the Jin Pratima, the mind should reflect:

“I bow to the qualities of the liberated souls, and I wish to move closer to that path.”

Takeaway

We do Pradakshina to show devotion and to remind ourselves that the path shown by the Tirthankars should be the center of our life.