The greatness lies in simplification. Right from Google’s Search page to Apple’s iPhone/iPad to Microsoft’s Windows, the designers are running after how to best simplify the user experience. Complexity does not always mean best results. In fact, very often complexity does mean incomplete research. To put it in other way, simplicity does not always mean poor outcomes. In fact, very often simplicity of the process to achieve greatest results proves the caliber of subject matter experts. And Surya Namaskar represents one such example of the greatness of ancient Bharat’s rishis – who simplified extensive daily workout for mind and body into such a simple set of asanas while maintaining the exemplary benefits of the same.
What is Surya Namaskar?
Its literal meaning is Sun Salutation. Basically it is a simple set of few body postures combined amazingly well with spirituality, pranayama and yoga, to comprise into one of the most simplified packages towards healthy mind, body & soul. Different Yogic scholars have put forth slightly different variations of the sequence and combinations of simple asanas to be done every cycle. A cycle may consist of 10 steps to as much as 24 steps. There are probably more than 40 variations of Surya Namaskars that are practiced across different parts of our country. Of course, each variation may have its own advantages and special reasons for doing it a particular way. However, from regular practitioner perspective, what is important is to do it consistently and methodically along with recommended breathing pattern and chanting of mantras for leveraging the maximum benefit out of this legacy that have been handed over to us by our forefathers.
What are benefits of Surya Namaskar?
Physical Benefits of performing Surya Namaskars include increase in blood oxidation, obvious increase in body flexibility, better sleep at night time, digestive system tune up and strengthening of nervous system.
Mental Benefits include increased concentration, Stress reduction, memory sharpening and enhancing of ‘mind-body’.
What are the Mantras to be recited while performing Surya Namaskar?
Dhyaan Slokam (Starting Sloka)
Dhyeyah Sada Savitru Mandala Madhyavarti – Narayanah Sarsijasana Sanni Vishthah |
Keyurvan Makar Kundalavan Kiriti – Haari Hiranmaya Vapur Dhruta Shankha Chakrah ||
Meaning : Always worship the Sun (Our Energy Source) sitting at the centre of galaxy, on lotus, wearing Keyur, Makarkundal Crown, holding Conch and Chakra and having glittering golden body.
Mantras to be recited for each set
- Om Mitraay Namah – The Friend of All
- Om Ravaye Namah – The Shining One
- Om Suryaay Namah – The One who induces Activity
- Om Bhaanave Namah – The One who Illuminates
- Om Khagaay Namah – The One who moves quickly in the Sky
- Om Puushne Namah – The Giver of Strength
- Om Hiranyagarbhaay Namah – The bright Centre of All Energy
- Om Mareechaye Namah – The Lord of Dawn
- Om Aadityaay Namah – The Son of Aditi
- Om Savitre Namah – The Benevolent Mother
- Om Arkaay Namah – The One who is fit to be Praised
- Om Bhaaskaraay Namah – The One who leads to Enlightenment
- Om Shree Savitru Suurya Naaraayanaay Namah – The Surya (Sun)
Phal Shruti (Ending Sloka)
Adityasya Namaskaran, Ye Kurvanti Dine Dine Ayuh Pragna Balam Viryam, Tejas Tesham Cha jayate ||
Meaning : Those who regularly perform Surya namaskaras attain healthy long life. They become strong, knowledgeable and have courage to fight with valour. They possess
Who should not do Surya Namaskar?
• People suffering from back conditions should seek proper advice before commencing Surya Namaskar.
• Pregnant women should not practice this after third month of pregnancy.
• Women should avoid Surya Namaskar during menses.
• Patients of Hernia and high blood pressure are warned against this practice
How to perform Surya Namaskar?
Couple of videos below explain all the steps in very good details. Of course, you may also try to visit some experienced or trained practitioner in your vicinity to learn in person.
Readers are requested to listen to the divine voice of the one and only Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao singing the praise of the Sun God in Sanskrit. This video is placed below.
Beautiful Video explaining meaning of Mantras