Surya Namaskar: Worshiping The Sun
The Sanskrit name Surya refers to the Sun and Namaskar means salutation. The sun provides life force to the whole creation and symbolizes spiritual consciousness. It has been worshiped since ancient times on the daily basis. In Yoga, PINGLA NADI represents sun and moon represents IDA NADI.
Sun salutation is a complete physical and spiritual practice in itself. It includes asana, pranayama, mantra and meditation. All the 12 postures involved in a round of Surya Namaskar are performed in a steady, rhythmic sequence, synchronizing with the breath and mental awareness. This is an effective way of loosening, stretching, massaging and toning up all the body joints, muscles and internal organs.
Time of Practice
The ideal time is at the sunrise, the most peaceful time of day. But it can be practiced at any time provided the stomach is empty.
Position 1: Pranam Asana (Prayer Pose)Stand erect with both the feet together. Now take the Pranam Namaskar Mudra. Place the palms together in front of chest with eyes closed. Relax the whole body and mentally offering homage to the sun. Breathe normally. Chant Mantra: OM MITRAY NAMAHA. CHAKRA: ANAHATA. |
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Position 2: Hasta Uttan Asana (Raised Arm Posed)Inhaling slowly, raise your arms up and bend back a little, keep both the arms separated, shoulder width apart. Chant Mantra: OM REVAYE NAMAH. CHAKRA: VISHUDDHI. |
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Position 3: Padhastan asana (Hand To Foot Pose)Exhaling, slowly bend forward and try to bring the hands on the floor by the sides of your feet. Try touching the knees with the forehead. Do not strain. Keep the knees straight. Chant Mantra: OM SURYAYA NAMAH. CHAKRA: SWADHISTHANA. |
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Position 4: Ashwa Sanchalan Asana (Equestrian Pose)Place the palm of your hands flat on the floor besides the feet. Inhale slowly, take your left foot back on the floor keeping your arms straight and with hips pressed down, look up. The Head should be tilted backward and the back arched. Chant Mantra: OM BHAHAVE NAMAHA CHAKRA: -AJNA CHAKRA. |
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Position 5: PARVAT Asana (Mountain Pose)While exhaling, take the left foot back beside the right foot. Keeping feet together, raise your hips up like a mountain. Try to place the heels on the floor and bring the head towards the knees. Chant Mantra: OM KHAGAYA NAMAHA. CHAKRA: VISHUDDHI CHAKRA. |
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Position 6: Ashtanga Namaskara (Salute With Eight Parts)Lower the knees, chest and chin to the floor. In the final position only the toes, knees, chest, hand and chin touch the floor. Breathe normally. Chant Mantra: PUSHNE NAMAHA. CHAKRA: MANIPURA. |
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Position 7: Bhujang Asana (Cobra Pose)Now inhale slowly, raise the upper part of your body, up like the hood of COBRA SNAKE. Look up, pressing your hips down, feet together and arms stretched. Chant MANTRA: OM HIRNAYA GARBHAYA NAMAHA CHAKRA: SWADHISTHANA |
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Position 8: Parvat Asana
This stage repeat of position (5)
Mantra : OM MARICHAYA NAMHA.
Position 9: Ashwa Sanchalan Asana
This stage repeat of position (4)
Mantra : OM ADITYA NAMHA.
Position 10: Padhastan Asana
This stage repeat of position (3)
Mantra: OM SAVITRE NAMAHA.
Position 11: Hasta Uttan Asana
This stage repeat of position (2)
Mantra: OM ARKAYA NAMAHA.
Position 12: Pranam Asana
This stage repeat of positions (1)
Mantra: OM BHASKARAYA NAMAHA.
Benefits Of Surya Namaskara
Sun salutation stimulates and balances all the system of the Body, Including the endocrine, circulatory, respiratory and digestive system. Sun salutation increases awareness and Bestows good health and well-being, Removes Carbon dioxide and bring more oxygen, increase by bringing fresh, oxygenated blood to the Brain. Its influence on the pineal gland and hypothalamus helps to prevent pineal degeneration and calcification.
Precautions
People suffering from high blood pressure, heart stroke, hernia and damage a weak heart should not practice this.
Duration
Beginners should practice 3 rounds and slowly add on one more round every week. After completion of sun salutation. It is necessary to perform shava asana or ADVASNA.
