Surya Namaskara
(Sun
Salutation)
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Sun worship is often mentioned in the Ramayana. Before Rama goes to fight Ravana, sage Agastya advises him to worship Surya and chant the Adityahridayam, which destroys enemies, gives victory, removes all sins and sorrows, and gives light to the world.
Surya Namaskara is an ancient system of Indian exercise. It includes the regular routine of prayer and worship. One of the means of honoring the sun is through the dynamic asana sequence Surya Namaskar (better known as Sun Salutation).
The Sun Salutation is a prayer in
motion. It allows us to use the body as an instrument of higher awareness,
so that we can receive wisdom and knowledge. Surya namaskar consists of a
sequence of twelve postures performed continuously and combined with
synchronized breathing. Each position counteracts the preceding one
producing a balance between flexions and extensions. Among these twelve
positions, ten are Asanas only. The first one and the last one are two
positions. All these Asanas and position are very easy to perform and can
easily be practiced by the people of all ages. Together these twelve
positions constitute the process of Surya Namaskara.
Surya Namaskar must be performed at some open and airy place.
Perform Surya Namaskara slowly without feeling tired (fatigue) or panting
and puffing; changing the feet every time, it must be performed on each of
the feet successively.
In Hindu mythology, the sun god is worshipped as a symbol of health and immortal life. The Rig Veda declares that "Surya is the Soul, both of the moving and unmoving beings". The Sun Salutation originated as a series of prostrations to the sun. Traditionally, it is performed at dawn, facing the rising sun. In time, each of the twelve positions came to have its own mantra, celebrating aspects of the sun's divinity.
All sessions of Yoga asanas begin with the 'Surya Namaskar' or sun salutation. This excellent warm up exercise consists of a sequence of positions that move the spine in various ways and promote flexibility in the limbs.
Surya Namaskars has several benefits. It activates almost all the glands of the endocrinal system. Because of this internal activation, the pancreas, adrenal, thyroid, pituitary and some other glands begin to secrete their respective hormones in normal way.
Surya Namaskara corrects disorders of the pancreas, liver and cure constipation, wind troubles, indigestion, acidity, intestinal disorder. It takes away extra weight of abdominal area. It strengthens the spinal cord, energizes the inner cells and activates the whole nervous system. It allows us to use the body as an instrument of higher awareness, so that we can receive wisdom and knowledge.
Here we have given two versions
Also read from Kundalini Yoga-SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA
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