|| Surya Namaskara Mantras ||
Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation) is more than just a physical exercise; it is a profound tribute to the Surya Bhagavan, the source of all life on Earth. When performed with the chanting of sacred mantras, this practice becomes a powerful tool for physical rejuvenation and mental clarity.
Each of the 12 mantras represents a specific attribute of the Sun. By reciting these names, we invite the qualities of brilliance, health, and wisdom into our lives. It is recommended to perform these salutations at sunrise, facing East, to maximize the absorption of solar energy.
Surya Dhyana Sloka (The Meditation Verse)
Aum dhyeyah sadaa savitrimandala madhyavartii |
Naaraayanah sarasijaasana-sannivishtah |
Keyuuravaan makarakundalavaan kiriitii |
Haarii hiranmaya-vapuh-dhritashankhachakrah ||
Visualization: Meditate on Lord Narayana, who resides in the center of the Solar Orb. He is seated on a lotus, adorned with golden bracelets, crocodile-shaped earrings, and a magnificent crown. He holds a conch and a discus, glowing with a brilliant golden form.
The 12 Namaskara Mantras
Recite one mantra for each step of the Sun Salutation sequence:
Phalashruti: The Benefits of Worship
Aaditasyah namaskaaraan ye kurvanti dine dine |
Janmaantara-sahasreshu daaridriyam dosha naashate |
Akaala-mrityu haranam sarva-vyaadhi vinaashanam |
Suurya-paadodakam tiirtham jathare dhaarayaamyaham ||
The Result: Those who perform Sun Salutations daily will find poverty and sins from thousands of lifetimes destroyed. It prevents untimely death and acts as a divine remedy for all diseases. Drinking the "sacred water" (metaphorically, the energy) of the Sun's feet purifies the inner being.
Tribute to Sage Patanjali
Before yoga, we honor the sage who codified this wisdom:
Yogena chittasya padena vaachaa malam shariirasya cha vaidyakena |
Yopaakarottam pravaram muniinaam patanjalim praanjalir-aanato-asmi ||
Meaning: I bow with folded hands to Patanjali, the greatest of sages, who removed the impurities of the Mind through Yoga, the impurities of Speech through Grammar, and the impurities of the Body through Medicine (Ayurveda).