WHY DO HINDUS CIRCUMAMBULATE IN A CLOCKWISE DIRECTION?

Hindus consider God as a center point of attraction and is equal to all.  So when we go around in a circular path God is at the centre and equidistant from anybody on the circle which spiritually meaning that God is equal to all.  That is why we do pradakshinam.

Hindus also consider right hand and right side as most auspicious and so when they circmambulate the God is on the right side when one can easily offer flowers with the right hand. We circumbulate anti clock wise direction while doing Soma sutra pradakshinam and in customary rites.

Hindus consider that the Lord and Life in us pervades all living beings, including trees, plants and animals. Trees and plants give us the vital factors for life namely oxygen, food, shelter, clothing, medicinal herbals etc.  We are taught to regard trees and plants as sacred and scriptures stipulate that we have to plant ten trees if we have to cut one.  We are also advised to use parts of trees or plants only as much as is needed for food.  There are specifc mantras for apologising before cutting trees. 

Hindus not only do pradakshinam around idols of God but also go around  sacred trees such as Peepal Tree, Banyan Tree, Bilwa Tree, Neem Tree, Tulsi plant, Agni, Brahmins during shraddam etc. Also after completion of traditional pooja, we customarily do pradakshina around ourselves to recognize the supreme divinity within us.