Surya Namaskaar

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Surya Namaskaar is a unique system that combines rigorous physical activity with mental exercises & astrological healing.

Lord Sun as our scriptures put it, is central to existence of this universe. Even in Astrology, Sun holds pivotal importance. Praying to Lord Sun helps overcome most of the weaknesses that are generated by a bad horoscope.

Surya Namaskaar is a combination of Yoga Asanas, Pranayam, Sun Bathing & Sun Prayer. As a system to rejuvenate the body & the soul, it is beyond compare. One round of Surya Namaskaar is much better than a week of exercises done at a gym.

When to perform Surya Namaskaar?

Surya Namaskaar takes 30-45 minutes of your time. It gives maximum benefit when done at the time of Sunrise. In modern times however, one can do it as the first thing in the morning after waking up & finishing the daily chores - but before eating anything.

Benefits of Surya Namaskaar

The benefits of Surya Namaskaar are enormous. It provides vitality & radiance to both body & mind.
All disorders of eyes, nervous system, digestive system and lungs disappear within a month of regular Surya Namaskaar.
The face of the practitioner also undergoes a sea change for the better. Regular Surya Namskaar also helps one attain longevity of life.

The intangible benefits are also as many. The planetary afflictions are cured, and one is able to get much more out of life and destiny. 

How to do Surya Namaskaar

Complete your daily chores like bathing etc. and wear fresh clothes. But you should not eat anything. Stand facing the rising Sun. Fold your hands as in "Namaste". With your eyes closed, recite the following Mantra as prayer to Sun God.

"Hey Surya Dev , Mera Pranaam sweekar karen ,
Samasta Bhaagya Janit Sankaton Se meri raksha karen"

( O Lord Sun, Salutation to you.
Please protect me from all ill-effects that fate may have in store for me).

You can keep a small carpet or piece of cloth to stand on. But it should be clean & kept safely after the entire activity is over.

There are 12 names of lord Sun, that need to be chanted during the entire exercise. One name/prayer before commencement of each round. Each round consists of 12 postures/positions and there are 12 rounds.

Position 1
Stand erect with palms folded at chest, facing the rising sun. Say : Om Mitra Mitraaya Namah 

Position 2
Throw up the arms. Tilt the head up. Gaze parallel to the arms. Inhale deeply.

Position 3
Swing the body down. Place the palm squarely on the ground (Try doing it, if you are unable to do it initially, it is okay. Your body will become flexible gradually). Palms should be parallel to feet. Face should be between knees. The knees should never be bent (even if you do not touch ground, do not bend knees). Exhale completely.

Position 4
Throw the left leg back, with toes & knee touching the ground. Bend the right leg at the knee. Press foot firmly on the ground. Look up at the Sun. Inhale.
(Remember alternative leg will be used for each round)

Position 5
Throw back the right leg also. Swing the back & loins up, forming an arch of the entire body with palm & the feet resting on the ground. Retain the breath.

Position 6
Lower the entire body so that the forehead, chest, two palms, two knees & the two toes alone touch the ground. None of the other portions of the body should touch the ground. Complete Exhalation. ( This is Sastanga Namaskaar involving 8 parts of the body)

Position 7
Raise the head up, bending the trunk backwards as you do, down to the hip. Inhale.

Position 8
Same as position 5 , i.e your body forming an arch over the ground with feet & palms resting on the ground. Inhale.

Position 9
Draw the right leg forward. Assume position 4. Hold the breath.

Position 10
Same as number 3 i.e. swing the body down and place the palms squarely on the ground. Exhale.

Position 11
Same as position 2.

Position 12
Same as position 1.