In order to explain the importance of the sun, it has been described in Hindu scriptures from immemorial time. Whether we talk about the previous eras or talk about today’s time, Sun has always given us life-giving energy.
Today, scientists have been working hard to know about the sun, whereas the ancient Sage-Muni knew its divinity and its use. Understanding the mystery of the sun is important as when we perform Surya Namaskar then our reverence, diligence, and belief appear in our mind and we can benefit from it.
Gopinath Kaviraj, who is the principal of the Banaras Hindu University, has done 12 years of penance in Gyanganj Ashram in Himalaya. He came back to Benaras in 1920 and wondered about the whole world as a miracle of solar science. In front of hundreds of disciples, he used to transform a thing into another by Sun Science. We are telling you this illustration so that your curiosity and faith in the sun increase and you can get the maximum benefits from it.
1. Aum Mitraya Namah inPranamasana/Prayer Pose: Who is friendly to all
2. Aum Ravayre Namah inUtthana Hasthasana/Upward Salute: The shining one, the radiant one
3. Aum Suryaya Namah in Padahastanasana or Utthanasana/ Hand to feet pose: Who is the dispeller of darkness and responsible for bringing activity
4. Aum Bhanave Namah in Ashva Sanchalan Asana/Equestrian Pose: One who illumines, the bright one
5. Aum Khagaya Namah inMountain Pose: Who is all-pervading, one who moves through the sky
6. Aum Pushne Namah in Ashtanga Namaskara: Giver of nourishment and fulfillment
7. Aum Hiranyagarbhaya Namah inBhujangasana/Cobra Pose : Who has golden color brilliance
8. Aum Marichaye Namah in Adho Mukha Savasana/Mountain Pose : The giver of light with infinite number of rays
9. Aum Adityaya Namah in Ashva Sanchalan Asana/Equestrian Pose: The son of Aditi, the cosmic divine Mother
10. Aum Savitre Namah in Padahastanasana or Utthanasana/ Hand to feet pose: One who is responsible for life
11. Aum Arkaya Namah inUtthana Hasthasana/Upward Salute: Worthy of praise and glory
12. Aum Bhaskaraya Namah inPranamasana/Prayer Pose: Giver of wisdom and cosmic illumination
Sun is the only source of energy for our planet Earth. Hence, Sun gives us lots of benefits in many ways.
Here are some advantages of Surya Namaskar or Sun salutation given below:
There is good stretching of the waist and spine by Surya Namaskar, hence it heals all types of back pain.
Surya Namaskar improves the digestive system.
It balanced the energy on both physical and mental levels.
Diseases such as hemorrhoids (piles) can also be treated by Surya Namaskar.
It boosts our memory power.
It keeps high blood pressure and diabetes in control.
Regular exercise of sun salutation leads to better circulation of blood throughout the body, thus reducing the risk of a heart attack.
It gives strength to our body.
It strengthens our immune system.
This strengthens our bones.
It improves our skin tone.
Weight Loss. As Some poses of Surya Namaskar remove excess fat of the tummy. Therefore it is very helpful in weight loss. This not only reduces your weight but also bring your body in shape. If done fast, then this could turn out to be your best cardiovascular workout.
Best Time For Surya Namaskar
The best time to do Surya Namaskar is of Brahma Muhurt. After going to the toilet, take a bath and practice it with a cheerful mind. Wear clean and loose fitting clothes and the atmosphere should be relaxed.
The morning time is best for doing Surya Namaskar because the weather is clean at this time and there is no harm from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
For some reason, if you are unable to do sun salutation in the morning, then you can practice it with an empty stomach or can do it during the evening.
Surya Namaskar Precautions:
1. Everyone aged above 8 years can perform this posture.
2. A person suffering from the problem of the spinal cord, heart, high blood pressure, and hernia problem can do practice this posture in the guidance of any guru.
Initial Mistakes During Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
Beginners generally forget to focus on breathing while moving forward and backward. In this exercise, breathing while bending and stretching has great significance.
If you are a beginner then do not do this exercise at a high pace, by doing so your attention can get shifted from the breathing, and thus your practice may remain incomplete.
In the beginning, you can get confused with Cobra Pose and Mountain Pose, so keep this in mind.
How Many Times To-Do Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)?
1. The practice of Surya Namaskar Yoga must be done in 10-20 cycles. If you are a beginner then do it 2-3 times and then gradually increase the cycles.
2. If you can do it more than you can do it for 50-100 times.
3. If the sun salutation is practiced 25-50 times every day, then there will not be much signs of old age in the body for 100 years.
The planets revolve around the Sun; Life begins with the sun. Hence it holds great importance to us- scientifically and religiously. Performing Surya Namaskars, Sun Salutation we are respecting and celebrating the source of all life forms. Let us know the science and logic that goes into performing Surya Namaskar.
The Solar Plexus
According to the ancient Rishis of India, different parts of the body are governed by different Devas (divine impulses or divine light). The solar plexus (located behind the navel, which is the central point of the human body) is said to be connected with the Sun. This is the main reason why the ancient Rishis recommended the practice of Surya Namaskar because the regular practice of this technique enhances the solar plexus, which increases one’s creativity and intuitive abilities.
What is the importance of Solar plexus?
According to Sri Sri Ravi Shanker, all our emotions get stored in the solar plexus, and it is also the point from where one’s gut feelings arise. The size of the solar plexus is said to like the size of a small gooseberry. However, for those who do yoga and it becomes much bigger – almost three to four times bigger than the normal size. The more expanded your solar plexus, the greater is your mental stability and your intuition.
The Benefits of Surya Namaskar
Surya Namaskar is a set of 12 postures, preferably to be done at the time of sunrise. The regular practice of Surya Namaskar improves circulation of blood throughout the body, maintains health, and helps one remain disease-free.
Help lose weight
When done at a fast pace, Surya Namaskar can give an excellent cardiovascular workout to help weight. The postures will help stretch the abdominal muscles while helping you shed pounds around your belly. The movements will also improve metabolism.
Helps strengthen muscles and joints
Surya Namaskar offers a good way to stretch and strengthen muscles, joints, ligament, as well as the skeletal system. The movements can also help improve the flexibility of the spine. The limbs become symmetrical helping internal vital organs to function better.
Ensures a better functioning digestive system
These yoga poses will help increase the blood flow to the digestive tract resulting in better functioning of the intestines. The forward bend pose will help increase your abdomen space which will aid in releasing the trapped gasses.
Some Other Benefits
- Helps cope with insomnia
- Sleeping patterns can be improved by the practice of Surya Namaskar. The asanas will help calm your mind, giving you a good night’s sleep.
- Ensures regular menstrual cycle
- Surya Namaskar can also be beneficial for women who are suffering from irregular menstrual cycles as it helps regulate it. Regular practice of the movements can also help in easy childbirth.
- Brings down blood sugar levels
- According to our expert, the movements of the sun salutation also aid in bringing down your blood sugar levels and help keep heart diseases at bay.
- Helps detox
- Due to the active inhalation and exhalation process, the lungs are thoroughly ventilated, and the blood remains oxygenated. This also helps in detoxifying one’s body by getting rid of carbon dioxide and other toxic gasses.
Now the Question if Children Do Surya Namaskar?
Surya Namaskar calms the mind and helps improves concentration. Today, children face a lot of competition and pressure. Adopting Surya Namaskar in their daily schedule boosts endurance power and reduces the feeling of anxiety and restlessness, especially during exams. Regular practice of Surya Namaskar gives strength and vitality to the body. Children as young as 5-year-olds can start doing Surya Namaskar daily.
