The sun sustains life on earth. Our ancient seers acknowledged this and revered the Sun. The Surya Namaskar is an appreciation in motion that is offered to the sun. It involves twelve yoga postures or asanas signifying the sun's cycles which run at approximately twelve and a quarter years. If your system is invigorated, then your cycle will be in harmony with the solar cycle. The Surya Namaskar helps create this harmony between your physical cycle and that of the sun.

Chants called Sun Salutation Mantras may accompany the Surya Namaskar. These chants bring harmony in body, breath and the mind. As the practice deepens, so do the benefits. When chanted with sincere gratitude, these mantras can take the practice to an enhanced spiritual level.

‘Om Bhaanve Namaha' means 'One who brings light.' When you recite this mantra, feel a sense of deep gratitude to the sun for giving us light and making life possible on Earth. ‘Om Suryaya Namaha' means ‘Dispeller of darkness.' In essence, it means that we worship the sun for giving us light.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar explains, “Just as protons and neutrons are in the center of the atom and electrons are only the periphery, same is with our lives. The center core of our existence is bliss, positivity, and joy. But it is surrounded by a cloud of negative ions. Mantras (Sanskrit chants) remove this cloud of negativity. Chanting charges up the atmosphere with positive vibrations, and in such a space, meditation becomes natural and effortless.”

Let us effortlessly, and with gratitude, chant the mantras and move into the steps of the Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) practice.

Surya Namaskar asanas and mantras

 Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose)

Mantra:

Om Bhaanave Namaha

Meaning:

One who illuminates or the bright one.

Ashwa Sanchalanasana strengthens the leg muscles.
Makes the spine and neck flexible.
Good for indigestion, constipation, and sciatica.

Mantra:

Om Khagaya Namaha

Meaning:

One who is all-pervading, one who moves through the sky.

Dandasana strengthens the arms and back
Improves posture.
Stretches the shoulders, chest, and spine.
Calms the mind.

 

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

Mantra:

Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha

Meaning:

One who has a golden colored brilliance.

Bhujangasana stretches the shoulders, chest, and back.
Increases flexibility.
Elevates mood.
Invigorates the heart.

 

 

Yoga Asana:

Parvatasana (Mountain Pose)

Mantra:

Om Mareechaye Namaha

Meaning:

Giver of light with infinite rays.

Parvatasana strengthens the muscles of the arms and legs.
Increases blood flow to the spinal region.

 

 

 

 

Yoga Asana:

Hastapadasana (Standing Forward Bend)

Mantra:

Om Savitre Namaha

Meaning:

One who is responsible for life.

Hastapadasana stretches the hamstrings.
Opens the hips, shoulders, and arms.

 

 

 

Yoga Asana:

Hastauttanasana (Raised Arms Pose)

Mantra:

Om Arkaaya Namaha

Meaning:

One who is worthy of praise and glory.

Hastauttanasana stretches and tones the muscles of the abdomen.
Expands the chest resulting in a full intake of oxygen. Lung capacity is fully utilized.