The Sun always holds immense spiritual significance in Sanatana Dharma. It symbolises divine awakening and inner consciousness. That is why Surya Namaskar emerged from this sacred vision, where the rising Sun is not only worshipped but honoured through disciplined movement and devotion.
This ancient practice is rooted in the Vedic tradition and is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, including the Rigveda and the Bhagavata Purana.
The practice of offering water to the Sun is also known as Arghya, symbolising surrender and gratitude, acknowledging Surya as the provider of energy (prana) and life. Surya Namaskar reflects this same spirit through physical expression.
Let's understand in detail what Surya Namaskar means and why it is spiritually significant in Hinduism.
What Is Surya Namaskar?
The word Surya means 'Sun' and Namaskar means 'salutation'. It is a practice that combines twelve postures performed as an offering of gratitude to Surya Dev, the sun god.
Spiritual Significance Of Surya Namaskar
The significance of Surya Namaskar is found in the Aditya Hridaya Stotra, where Sage Agastya teaches Lord Rama and praises Surya by acknowledging it as the remover of fear and bestower of strength.
Holy scriptures describe Surya as the visible form of the Divine who sustains all existence. The Rigveda clearly states, ‘Surya is the soul of all that moves and does not move, ' establishing the Sun as a universal witness and life-giver.
The Surya Namaskar include 12 postures, each paired with one of the twelve sacred names of Surya, such as:
Pose (Sanskrit) | English Name | Mantra |
Pranamasana | Prayer Pose | Om Mitraya Namah |
Hastauttanasana | Raised Arms Pose | Om Ravaye Namah |
Hastapadasana | Standing Forward Bend | Om Suryaya Namah |
Ashwa Sanchalanasana | Equestrian Pose | Om Bhanave Namah |
Dandasana | Stick Pose | Om Khagaya Namah |
Ashtanga Namaskara | Salute with Eight Parts Pose | Om Pushne Namah |
Bhujangasana | Cobra Pose | Om Hiranyagarbhaya Namah |
Parvatasana | Mountain Pose | Om Marichaye Namah |
Ashwa Sanchalanasana | Equestrian Pose | Om Adityaya Namah |
Hastapadasana | Standing Forward Bend | Om Savitre Namah |
Hastauttanasana | Raised Arms Pose | Om Arkaya Namah |
Tadasana | Standing or Palm Tree Pose | Om Bhaskaraya Namah |
These mantras, when chanted with sincere devotion and gratitude, bring harmony to body, breath and mind.
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Spiritual Benefits Of Surya Namaskar
- It is an act of surrender and gratitude towards the Sun, because of which there is life on Earth.
- It provides mental clarity and emotional stability as Surya Namaskar regulates prana, the vital life energy.
- Invokes the blessings of Lord Sun (Surya Dev)
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Helps to purify the mind and provide clarity in thoughts.
Health Benefits Of Surya Namaskar
- Helps maintain cardiovascular health
- Stimulates the nervous system
- An excellent exercise for weight loss management
- Strengthens the immune system
- Enhances cognitive functions
- Improves overall health, strengthens the body, and relaxes the mind
- Makes the body more flexible and toned
How to Begin The Practice
- Surya Namskar should always be done in the morning at sunrise on an empty stomach. While doing it, one should face east toward the rising sun.
- An individual should begin with 2 to 4 rounds, then slowly increase the movements.
- A round flows through pranamasana (prayer pose), hasta uttanasana, padahastasana, ashwa sanchalanasana, dandasana, ashtanga namaskara, bhujangasana and back, completing twelve steps.
- While doing these postures, one should chant twelve Surya mantras with each posture, or simply Om can also be chanted.
- While doing the postures, one should try to inhale when stretching back and opening, and exhale when folding forward.
- End it in a quiet moment of thanks to Surya Dev, perhaps offering Surya Arghya with water.
Surya Namskar should always be done in the morning at sunrise on an empty stomach (Image: Pexels)
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Thus, Surya Namaskar not only builds connection with the divine but also helps bring harmony between the mind and soul.
FAQs
1. When is the best time to do Surya Namaskar?
The best time is at sunrise, on an empty stomach, facing the east toward the rising sun.
2. How many rounds of Surya Namaskar should a beginner do?
Beginners can start with 2 to 4 rounds and slowly build up as the body grows comfortable.