4217

The  traditional method of offering nīrājana (ārati) to the deity, followed in many temples according to Āgamic and ritual traditions. The sequence symbolizes offering the light reverentially to different parts of the divine form.

The verse is commonly recited as:

चतुष्पादतले द्विः नाभिदेशे मुखमण्डले ।

एकं सर्वाङ्गे सप्तवारं नीराजनं प्रचक्षते ॥

Transliteration:

Catuḥ pādatale dviḥ nābhi-deśe mukha-maṇḍale |

Ekaṁ sarvāṅge saptavāraṁ nīrājanaṁ pracakṣate ||

Its meaning is:

4 times around the feet (catuḥ pādatale)

2 times around the navel or waist region (dviḥ nābhi-deśe)

1 time around the face (mukha-maṇḍale)

7 times around the entire body (sarvāṅge saptavāram)

This is remembered by the simple rule:

4 – 2 – 1 – 7

The numbers are not arbitrary. They reflect a traditional way of respectfully presenting the light to the whole divine form, beginning with the sacred feet, then the center of the body, then the face, and finally encompassing the entire deity.

This traditional method is still followed in many South Indian temples and during domestic worship where the ritual is performed according to Āgamic practice.