Every religion in this world guides its supporters to the path of light. The Sun is known as the spirit of the whole universe and supports the life of all creatures, plants, and individuals. Surya is regularly depicted as riding a chariot driven by 7 horses or by 1 horse with 7 heads. These 7 horses represent the 7 chakras in the human body. Hence, our ancestors wove it into practices to celebrate and recognize the sun as a divine being. Till today this tradition continues.
Scientifically, the sun radiates energy to the earth in the form of heat and sunlight without which life wouldn’t sustain.
What is Surya Namaskar?
The Surya Namaskar is a form of salutation to Surya using 12 postures while reciting 12 mantras. Surya Namaskar is essentially about creating a space within you wherein your physical cycles are in sync with the sun’s cycles, which runs a little over 12 years.
Physical Benefits of Surya Namaskar
The regular practice of Surya Namaskar improves the circulation of blood throughout the body, maintains health, and helps one remain disease-free. There are numerous benefits of Surya Namaskar for the heart, liver, intestine, stomach, chest, throat, and legs.
From head to toe, every part of the body is greatly benefited by Surya Namaskar, which is why it is highly recommended by all yoga experts. It is believed that performing one round of Surya Namaskar is equivalent to 108 asanas.
Psychological Benefits of Surya Namaskar
Along with the set of 12 steps, there is also a set of mantras to be recited while performing Surya Namaskar. The psychological significance behind doing Surya Namaskar is that the solar plexus (which is the central point of the human body) is said to be connected with the Sun.
Ancient Rishis recommended the regular practice of Surya Namaskar to enhance the solar plexus which increases one’s creativity and intuitive abilities. It also has a visible impact on memory retention, anxiety, and battling insomnia.
Surya Namaskar Mantras
Here are the 12 mantras generally recited during the practice of Surya Namaskar. Each mantra consists of a different name of the sun.
- Om Mitraaya Namah – One who is friendly to all
- Om Ravaye Namah – The shining one, the radiant one
- Om Suryaaya Namah – One who is the dispeller of darkness and responsible for bringing activity
- Om Bhaanave Namah – One who illuminates
- Om Khagaaya Namah – One who is all-pervading
- Om Puushne Namah – Giver of nourishment and fulfillment
- Om Hiranyagarbhaaya Namah – One who has golden brilliance
- Om Mareechaye Namah – The giver of light with an infinite number of rays
- Om Aadityaaya Namah – The son of Aditi, the cosmic divine mother
- Om Savitre Namah – One who is responsible for life
- Om Arkaaya Namah – One who is worthy of praise and glory
- Om Bhaaskaraaya Namah – Giver of cosmic wisdom and illumination
References – Surya Matra
Sparing just 10 minutes every day for 12 rounds of Surya Namaskar will bring about many beneficial changes in your body and mind.