Sun Salutation

By: Svetlana Pasarić

Surya Namaskar - Salute the Sun!

Prati nas i na društvenim mrežama!

The well-known yoga practice, Surya Namaskar, is practiced when the sun rises in the morning. It has a mystical and symbolic character that brings many health benefits.

In many cultures around the world the sun is the symbol of consciousness, spirituality and vitality.

In India the sun (Surya) has long been considered as a symbol of health and prosperity.

The Rig Veda declares that "Surya is the Soul, both of the moving and unmoving beings".

In the cities of India hundreds of people gather outside at dawn and respectfully practice the sun salutation while chanting special mantras.

It is believed that the one who practices the sun salutation offers respect to the internal and external sun - the central creative force of the universe which according to yoga also manifests in human body.

According to tradition, Surya Namaskar is practiced at sunrise while facing the rising sun.

Surya Namaskar comprises of 12 asanas and each one has a certain mantra which celebrates one of the sun qualities.

Surya Namaskar has many health benefits:

Improves digestion
Helps with constipation and gassiness
Strengthens abdominal muscles
Purifies lungs
Eliminates toxins form the body
Calms the nervous system
Improves memory
Promotes sleep
Normalizes the activity of the endocrine glands, especially thyroid
Refreshes the skin
Decreases body fat
Improves muscle and spine flexibility
Gives strength and longevity

Surya Namaskar Mantras

	Om Hraam Mitraaya Namah (I salute You my eternal friend!)
	Om Hrim Ravaye Namah (I salute You eternal source of vitality which shines for all!)
	Om Hrum Suryaaya Namah (I salute You the source of light which stimulates all types of activity!)
	Om Hraim Bhaanave Namah (I salute You the eternal source of warmth!)
	Om Hroum Khagaaya Namah (I salute You the eternal source of life of all living beings!)
	Om Hraha Pooshnena Namah (I salute You who nourishes all and gives strength!)
	Om Hraam Hiranya-Garbhaya Namah (I salute You the eternal source of energy that is coming from your golden heart!)
	Om Hrim Marichaye Namah (I salute You the master of down and the source of vibrations!)
	Om Hrum Aadityaya Namah (I salute You the son of Aditi (Aditi is the prime divine mother of energy)
	Om Hraim Savitre Namah (I salute You the one who creates everything!)
	Om Hroum Arkaya Namah (I salute You who is worthy of praise as a source and substance of life energy!)
	Om Hraha Bhaskaraaya Namah (I salute You who brings splendor, internal strength, self-confidence and awakening of the soul!)
At the end of each circle the last mantra is pronounced: Om Shri Savitur-Suryanarayanaya Namah