What is Surya Namaskar?
In Sanskrit, Surya signifies “sun” and Namaskar signifies “Salutations.” The practice of Surya Namaskar awakens the body intelligence to create energy directly from the sun. In the Vedic tradition, the sun is representative of awareness and therefore, has been worshiped daily in the Indian culture.
Mantras – Surya Namaskar is one of the essential yoga practices. It is the arrangement of 12 yoga postures which can be performed while chanting 12 different mantras. Mantras add a significant, profound spiritual component to the training.
Mantra and their meaning in below table
| Yoga Asana | Mantra | Meaning | Benefits |
| Pranamasana (Prayer Pose) | Om Mitraaya Namaha | One who is friendly to all | Maintain the balance of the body & Relaxes the nervous system. |
| Hastauttanasana (Raised Arms Pose) | Om Ravaye Namaha | The shining or the radiant one stretch | Stretches and tones the muscles of the abdomen. |
| Hastapadasana (Standing Forward Bend) | Om Suryaya Namaha | The dispeller of darkness, responsible for generating activity. | Makes the waist and spine flexible. Stretches the hamstrings. |
| Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose) | Om Bhaanave Namaha | One who illuminates or the bright one. | Good for indigestion, constipation, and sciatica. |
| Dandasana (Plank Pose) | Om Khagaya Namaha | One who is all-pervading, one who moves through the sky. | Strengthens the arms and back & Calms the mind. |
| Ashtanga Namaskara (Salute with Eight Parts Pose) | Om Pooshne Namaha | Giver of nourishment and fulfillment. | Strengthens the back muscles & Reduces tension and anxiety. |
| Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) | Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha | One who has a golden colored brilliance. | Stretches the shoulders, chest, and back & Increases flexibility. |
| Parvatasana (Mountain Pose) | Om Mareechaye Namaha | Giver of light with infinite rays. | strengthens the muscles of the arms and legs. |
| Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose) | Om Aadityaaya Namaha | The son of Aditi, the cosmic divine mother. | Tones the abdominal organs. |
| Hastapadasana (Standing Forward Bend) | Om Savitre Namaha | One who is responsible for life. | Stretches the hamstrings & Opens the hips, shoulders |
| Hastauttanasana (Raised Arms Pose) | Om Arkaaya Namaha | One who is worthy of praise and glory. | Stretches and tones the muscles of the abdomen. |
| Tadasana (Standing or Palm Tree Pose) | Om Bhaskaraya Namaha | Giver of wisdom and cosmic illumination. | Strengthens thighs, knees, and ankles. Relieves sciatica. |
