Circumambulation

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Circumambulation is the act of walking around something. It is a crucial part of rituals surrounding the Kaaba in Islam. According to Arab Gateway, "The minimum rituals that must be performed by all pilgrims are wearing ihram, standing at Arafat, and the second circumambulation of the Kaaba. Others may be omitted on payment of kaffarah (expiation)."

Circumambulation is also a part of Buddhism [1] and Hinduism, where temples or deity images may be circumambulated. In Celtic Polytheism and Irish Catholicism circumambulations of Holy wells or other sacred sites are part of some devotional and healing rituals. Circumambulations have also been conducted for charitable purposes [2].

[edit] See also

• chorten