Surya Namaskar

 SURYA - NAMASKARAM

 

The Surya - Namaskaram or offering prostrations to the Sun is practised in the early morning or evening, facing the Sun. The Sun is supposed to be the deity for health and long life. The Surya - Namaskaram evolves a unique method of effecting perfect synthesis of culture of body, mind and spirit. A harmonious development of the body and mind enables a person to fulfill one’s ambitions and live a fruitful and happy life here in this world.

 The Surya - Namaskaram is combined process of pranayama and yoga Asanas.

 

PRAYER TO THE SUN

     "OM Suryam Sundara lokanathamamritham

     Vedaantha saram shivam,

     Jnaanam Brahmamayam Sureshamamalam

     Lokaika Chittham Swayam;

     Indraaditya naraadhipam Suragurum

     Trailokya choodamanim,

     Brahma Vishnu Shiva Swarupa hridayam

     Vande Sadaa Bhaskaram".

 

Meaning :

  I  always adore Surya, the Sun, the beautiful Lord of the World, the immortal, the quintessence of the Vedanta, the auspicious, the absolute knowledge, of the form of Brahman, the Lord of the gods, ever pure, the one true consciousness of the world itself, the Lord of Indra, the gods and men, the preceptor of the gods, the crest jewel of the three worlds, the very heart of the forms of Brahma, Vishnu and      Shiva, the giver of light.

 II  Then repeat the twelve names of the Lord by turning around (or mentally) for each Namaskarams

The twelve names are:

  1.          OM Mitraya Namaha     (Prostration to Surya, who is affectionate to all)

 2.          OM Ravaye Namaha      (Prostration to Surya, who is the cause for change)

 3.          OM Suryaaya Namaha  (Prostration to Surya, who induces activity)

 4.          OM Bhaanave Namaha (Prostration to Surya, who diffuses light)

 5.          OM Khagaaya Namaha  (Prostration to Surya, who moves in the sky)

 6.          OM Pushne Namaha      (Prostration to Surya, who nourishes all)

 7.          OM Hiranya garbhaaya Namaha             (Prostration to Surya, who contains everything)

 8.          OM Marichaaye Namaha            (Prostration to Surya, who possesses rays)

 9.          OM Adityaaya Namaha (Prostration to Surya, who is God gods)

10.         OM Savitre Namaha       (Prostration to Surya, who produces everything)

11.         OM Arkaaya Namaha    (Prostration to Surya, who is fit to be worshipped)

12.         OM Bhaskaraaya Namaha          (Prostration to Surya, who is the cause of lustre)

Thus, Surya - Namaskaram provides the foundation for the magnificent all-round culture of body, mind and spirit, which is essential for every human being.