In our fast-paced world, we often seek greatness by looking outward—traveling to distant lands, seeking external validations, or chasing fleeting trends. However, Sant Asaramji Bapu reminds us that the greatest source of success and spiritual merit (punya) is not found across the globe, but within the walls of our own homes. One of the most profound aspects of the Matri Pitri Poojan Diwas (Parents Worship Day) celebration on February 14th is the act of performing seven circumambulations, or Pradakshina, around one’s parents.
This ritual is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is rooted in ancient wisdom and a legendary event that changed the course of spiritual history. By understanding the “why” behind these seven rounds, we can transform a simple act of respect into a life-altering spiritual practice.
The Legend of Ganesha’s Wisdom
The hidden meaning of the 7 circumambulations is best explained through the story of Lord Ganesha and his brother, Lord Kartikeya. As Pujyashree recounts, a competition once arose between the two brothers to determine who was superior. Their parents, Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati, set a challenge: the one who could circle the entire Earth and return first would be declared the winner.
While Kartikeya immediately set off on his peacock to physically travel the globe, Ganesha chose a path of deep contemplation. Guided by divine inspiration, Ganesha realized that he did not need to wander the physical world to earn the merit of a global pilgrimage. He invited his parents to sit on an elevated seat, worshipped their feet with flowers, and proceeded to circle them seven times.
When his parents questioned why he stayed behind, Ganesha cited the sacred scriptures: “Sarvatirthamayi Mata, Sarvadevamayo Pita”—the mother is the embodiment of all holy pilgrimages, and the father is the embodiment of all deities. By circling his parents, Ganesha had effectively circled the entire universe. Because of this profound wisdom and sensory control, he became the Pratham Pujya (the first to be worshipped).
Focused Explanation: The Power of Pradakshina
The seven circumambulations are central to the Matri Pitri Poojan ritual initiated by Bapuji. The sources explain the deep-rooted significance of this act:
1. Scriptural Fruit: According to the Shiva Purana, a son who worships and circumambulates his parents obtains the definite fruit of having circled the entire Earth (Prithivi-parikramajanita phalam).
2. Destruction of Sins: As children perform the Pradakshina, they recite or internalize the sentiment that every step taken around the parents destroys the sins committed in previous births.
3. The Seven Rounds: While circling even once is meritorious, performing seven rounds signifies a complete and total surrender to the “universe” that is one’s parents. It represents the seven levels of consciousness moving from excitement and lust (Kaam) toward pure, divine love (Ramras).
4. Preservation of Energy: Unlike modern trends that encourage the waste of vital energy (Ojas-Tejas), this ritual helps the youth develop self-restraint (Sanyam) and intellectual power (Buddhi-shakti).
Relevance to Parents Worship Day
Sant Asaramji Bapu established Parents Worship Day on February 14th to provide a constructive and spiritual alternative to Western-influenced celebrations that often lead to moral decay. In this context, the 7 circumambulations serve as a powerful tool for cultural and psychological protection.
While global reports like the Innocenti Report Card show that youth in many developed nations suffer from a lack of moral anchors, Pujyashree notes that Indian youth are found to be the “happiest and most affectionate” because of their loyalty to the family unit. By circling their parents on this day, children and teenagers are not just following a tradition; they are actively building a “character-rich” future and securing the “Four-Fold Reward” of longevity, knowledge, fame, and strength (Ayush, Vidya, Yash, Bal).
Key Takeaways
• Parents as the Universe: Circling parents is scripturally equivalent to circling the entire Earth.
• Spiritual Superiority: Ganesha won the divine race and became Pratham Pujya through this very act of parental reverence.
• Merit for All: This ritual is inclusive of all faiths—Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or Parsi—as the debt to parents is universal.
• Awakening the Inner Eye: This act of respect helps awaken the Vivek (inner eye of discrimination), making the child Lakshyabhedi (goal-oriented).
• Psychological Peace: Service to parents melts the ego and brings a deep sense of satisfaction and peace to the heart.
Conclusion
The 7 circumambulations are more than a physical movement; they are a journey into the heart of the family. Sant Asaramji Bapu has simplified the path to greatness by teaching us that we do not need to wander the world to find divinity. Like Ganesha, if we place our parents on the seat of honor and acknowledge them as our “universe,” we naturally obtain all the successes and blessings of life. As we celebrate Matri Pitri Poojan, let us remember that the most sacred pilgrimage is always within our reach.
