The Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskara – सूर्यनमस्कार) originated as prostrations to the sun. Traditionally, it is performed at dawn, facing the rising sun.
In Hindu mythology, the suryabhagwana (sun god) is worshipped as a symbol of health and immortal life.
“Surya is the Soul, both of the moving and unmoving beings” according to Rig Veda.
By making sanyama on surya (sun), the knowledge of the world can be gained” according to yoga sutra but as we know about the Surya Namaskar, is an important practice of most of the styles of yoga which are practiced now days like -hatha yoga, vinyasa/ flow yoga, Shivananda, Kripalu, Power yoga,hot yoga …etc. are just a few name of the more commonly practiced styles today – all include some variation of Surya Namaskar as an integrated part of their asana routine.
The Surya Namaskar is a graceful sequence of twelve positions performed as one continuous flow. Surya Namaskar stretches the whole body in many different ways and alternately expanding and contracting the chest to regulate the proper breathing. It is also comes under yoga teacher training courses, we prove Best Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh.
Traditionally, the practice of Surya Namaskar supposed to be done with mantras. There are twelve mantras associated with each of the twelve movements in the Surya Namaskar sequence. Each mantra represents a different name or manifestation of the Sun. When practice of Surya Namaskar is done with the chanting of the mantras, it becomes a beautifully flow sequence which includes the pranayama and meditation practices with it. The chanting of mantras creates the vibration which can bring the mind into a meditative state.
- Om MitrayaNamaha (Salutations to the friend of all)
- Om RavayeNamaha (Salutations to the shining one)
- Om SuryqyaNamaha(Salutations to he who induces activity)
- Om BhanaveNamaha(Salutations to he who illumines)
- Om KhagayaNamaha(Salutations to the one who moves through the sky)
- Om PushneNamaha(Salutations to the giver of strength and nourishment)
- Om HiranyaGarbhayaNamaha (Salutations to the golden cosmic self)
- Om MarichayeNamaha (Salutations to the rays of the sun)
- Om AdityayaNamaha (Salutations to the son of Aditi). Aditi is one of the many names given to the cosmic mother, Mahashakti. She is the mother of all the gods, boundless and inexhaustible, the creative power from which all divisions of power proceed.
- Om SavitreNamaha (Salutations to the stimulating power of the sun)
- Om ArkayaNamaha (Salutations to he who is fit to be praised)Arka means energy. The sun is the source of most of the energy in the world we know
- Om BhaskarayaNamaha (Salutations to the one who leads to enlightenment)
