Namaskars (Sun Salutations) were first described around 1500 BCE in the Rig Veda, the oldest collection of sacred Hindu scriptures, composed of more than one thousand hymns rich with metaphor, myth, and instruction. The movements and mantras outlined in this 3,500-year-old Vedic tradition were rituals to be offered at sunrise and sunset.
Sun Salutations can be practiced any time and with any frequency. Power yoga involves performing the sun salutation at a very fast pace, this is done to boost endurance and stamina. "Type A is perfect for beginners whereas type B includes more strenuous postures like the Warrior Pose to enhance core strength and stamina".
There is ritual practice involving 108 repetitions of the Sun Salutations. Traditionally it's been done when the seasons changed (the Winter and Summer Solstice, and the Spring and Autumn Equinox), can be done any other time if we feel that we want to go for it - any day and moment is special enough by itself. Why 108? This number is sacred and significant in many ways, appearing in many disciplines from astronomy to yoga, in many ancient and sacred texts:
- there are 108 Upanishads;
- 108 equals 9, which symbolizes universal love, eternity and awakening;
- there are 108 sacred points on the body in Ayurveda;
- in astronomy, the distance between the Sun and Earth is roughly 108 times the Sun’s diameter;
- Mala bead necklaces have 108 beads, which are used to count during meditation, etc.
It is believed that the fire (internal heat) that we build during this practice is cleansing, detoxifying, and gets us more in touch with ourselves.
The Surya Namaskar is an appreciation in motion that is offered to the Sun. It involves twelve yoga postures or asanas signifying the Sun's cycles which run at approximately twelve and a quarter years. Chants called Sun Salutation Mantras may accompany the Surya Namaskar. These chants bring harmony in body, breath and mind. As the practice deepens, so do the benefits. When chanted with sincere gratitude, these mantras can take the practice to another deeply personal level.
The Sun Salutation Mantras and their meanings :
1)'Om Mitraaya Namaha' - 'One who is friendly to all';
2)'Om Ravaye Namaha' - 'The shining or the radiant one';
3)'Om Suryaya Namaha' - 'The dispeller of darkness, responsible for generating activity';
4) ‘Om Bhaanve Namaha' - 'One who brings light';
5)'Om Khagaya Namaha' - 'One who moves through the sky';
6)'Om Pooshne Namaha' - 'Giver of nourishment and fulfillment';
7)'Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha' - 'One who has a golden colored brilliance';
8)'Om Mareechaye Namaha' - 'Giver of light with infinite rays';
9)'Om Aadityaaya Namaha' - 'The son of Aditi, the cosmic divine mother';
10)'Om Savitre Namaha' - 'One who is responsible for life';
11)'Om Arkaaya Namaha' - 'One who is worthy of praise and glory';
12)'Om Bhaskaraya Namaha' - 'Giver of wisdom and cosmic illumination'.
We can either chant the Sun Salutation Mantras verbally or in our mind. The important thing is to chant them with gratitude. Try to chant the mantras with proper intonations. For the correct pronunciation, you may refer to this video. Words have the ability to create. The intonations and meanings of the Sun Salutation Mantras create a world of positivity and power. They make the asanas more profound and fulfilling. They release blocages and shadows hidden in us and bring gratitude and light instead.
A beautiful video of Syria Namaskar with mantras around the world: here
Enjoy the sun in your life !
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