Description of Surya Namaskar Mantra
Om Mitraya Namaha(salutations to the universal friend) – The sun is called a friend because it continuously gives us light, warmth and energy to support not only us, but the entire cosmic manifestation. In the treatises, Mithra is described as awakening people to activity and looking at all creation without discrimination, just as the Sun in the early morning signals the beginning of the day's activity and casts its light on all living things.
Om Rawai Namaha(salutations to the luminary) - As the source of light, the Sun is called Ravaya - the one who shines and reveals the divine radiance in all life.
Om Surya Namaha(salutations to the one who induces activity) - We said that the Sun inspires a person to be active and in this role he is called Surya. The Sun is not just a bureaucrat sitting in his dusty office, he is extremely active and constantly travels around the world in his fiery carriage drawn by seven horses. The seven horses of the Sun represent all seven levels of planetary systems through which he passes with an inspection check. No one should be left without his influence.
Om Bhanave Namaha(greeting to the one who illuminates) - The Sun does not just shine, the Sun enlightens us. Therefore his name is Bhanava. The sun is the physical personification of the guru or teacher who removes the darkness of our delusions, just as the darkness of the night is removed with each dawn. Remember, the Sun is not just an atomic bomb in the sky, the Sun is our teacher who sees all the stupid things we do.
Om Khagaya Namaha(salutation to the one who moves through the sky) – The Sun represents time for us, so it is called Khagaya. The sun moves across the sky and allows us to see the passage of time. The sun will give strength and happiness to those who are punctual and accurate in all their affairs. And of course, the Sun will give all its mercy to those who pay close attention to the change of day and night, which means they will try not to miss a single ray of the Sun, and will be calm and peaceful in the dark.
Om Pushne Namaha(salutations to the giver of strength and nourishment) – The sun is the source of all strength, therefore it is called Pushne. Like the father, it feeds us with energy, light and life. And the strength of the mind, and the physical strength, and the strength of the spirit - all this is a manifestation of the mercy of the Sun. This means that we are completely dependent on it in all aspects of our lives.
Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha(greeting to the golden cosmic personality) – The Sun also awakens the creative activity of a person, therefore his name is Hiranya Garbha. This means that the Sun represents the power of creativity, the power of all cosmic creation. This is the power with which Brahma created this world. Therefore, in a way, all life is contained in the Sun as potency and this is a great cosmic principle.
Om Marichaya Namaha(salutations to the rays of the Sun) – The Sun dispels illusions and mirages. Therefore he is called Marichi after his rays and sons. The rays of light are also sons of the Sun. Throughout our lives we strive for true meaning or purpose, just as a thirsty man seeks water in the desert, but is deceived by the mirage created by the sun's rays and dancing on the horizon.
Om Adityaya Namaha(salutations to Aditi’s son) – The sun is also a son. Therefore we address him as Aditya, which means son of Aditi. And this means that we must respect our parents in all their manifestations, starting with the parents who gave life to our body and ending with the parents who gave life to our soul: this is God himself and, of course, the spiritual teacher, who is the representative of God, and who gives us the second , spiritual birth.
Om Savitri Namaha(salutations to the one who stimulates the power of the Sun) – The Sun is an awakening force. Therefore he is addressed as Savitri. The sun revives a person at dawn and allows him to achieve his goal.
Om Arkaya Namaha(salutations to someone worthy of praise) – Arch means energy. The sun is the biggest source of energy in this world. Since now no one worships God, and the Sun is the main representative of God in this world, it represents the view of God, then everyone is overcome by the problem of lack of energy, which is now called not atheism, but depression. The word depression sounds nicer than the word atheism, since it implies treatment in any other way than acquiring spiritual knowledge.
Om Bhaskaraya Namaha(salutations to the one who leads to enlightenment) - The sun opens for us the spiritual path to eternal happiness, which is why it is called Bhaskaraiya. This is a greeting to the one who leads to enlightenment. The sun is a symbol of the discovery of all transcendental and spiritual truths. It illuminates the path leading to our ultimate goal - liberation from material illusion.
There are many different complexes for improving health, attracting energy and vitality. One of them is Surya Namaskar (Om Mitraaya Namah Om Ravaye Namah). It is ideal as a morning exercise and will also help you find inner peace.
Mantra Surya Namaskar helps to find peace of mind
Description
Surya Namaskar is a mantra that is dedicated to Surya. Its name is translated as “salutation to the Sun.” The ritual itself is:
- 12 asanas, poses that are comfortable and stable: by performing them, a person remains in his true form, they constitute a kind of ritual of worship;
- the mantra includes pranayama, i.e. breathing exercises that help manage vital energy;
- words that can influence a person’s emotions and mind, things around them;
- mandatory meditation, which helps to achieve a state of inner harmony and spiritual insight, to withdraw into oneself.
There is a similar ritual dedicated to the Moon. It is called “Chandra Namaskar” and already contains 14 poses that symbolize the phases of the Moon. It is performed in the evening.
The concept of Surya
This is the name of the Sun God in Hinduism. He is the one who brings light and heals. He is considered the all-seeing eye of the Gods and the heavenly guardian. The sign of this God is a chariot harnessed to 7 horses. Each of them symbolizes a ray of the sun.
The purpose of Surya, according to adherents of Hinduism, is to illuminate the entire universe, driving away ominous darkness and all kinds of diseases. He is depicted as a humanoid creature with 4 arms and 3 eyes.
Surya - sun god in Hinduism
Story
Surya Namaskar was originally found in the texts of Ancient India, but only as a ritual of worship of a deity, and not a set of physical exercises. From this side, the mantra began to be considered only in the twentieth century.
Swami Sivananda Sarsavati writes about it in his works, as well as Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya in his work “Yoga Makaranda”. There is a version that Krishnamacharya came up with these exercises himself. Some believe that he borrowed them from other rituals.
Asanas
A prerequisite for this mantra is the performance of 12 asanas. They are connected. Before each of them, except the sixth, you need to either inhale or exhale. On the sixth, you need to hold your breath.
To fully perform Surya Namaskar, you need to stand in 24 asanas: 12 times they will start from the right leg, and 12 times from the left.
By performing these poses, a person uses 34% of his maximum oxygen reserve.
Performing the Surya Namaskar ceremony
These exercises should be performed in the morning, at dawn, to greet the coming day and the sun itself. For the best result, you first need to learn how to perform all the poses separately, and then proceed to the full cycle.
- Pranamasana. The stage is known as the praying person's pose. You need to stand facing the sun, straighten your back, bring your hands to your chest so that your palms touch. You need to close your eyes and relax your body. This asana involves inhaling and exhaling.
- Hasta uttanasana. You need to raise your arms completely above yourself so that they are straight, then bend back, your body should be extended, and inhale.
- Uttanasana. You need to bend down as low as possible, trying to reach your knees with your head. You need to clasp your legs with your hands, keeping your knees and back straight. This asana must be performed while exhaling.
- Ashva sanchalasana. Known as horseback pose. Bend your left knee to form a 90° angle. Take your right leg as far back as possible. Then inhale and lift your chest away from your hip, stretching it upward. Hands should be near your feet.
- Chaturanga Dandasana I resembles a plank. Exhaling, stand on your hands. Move your left leg back so that it is next to your right.
- Balasana. You need to get on all fours. Inhaling, stretch your buttocks back toward your feet, as if in child’s pose.
- Ashtanganamaskar. Remaining on all fours, you need to exhale to depict a cat: your forehead and chest, palms, toes and knees should touch the floor. The buttocks should be left at the top and the back should be arched. This pose must be done while exhaling.
- Bhujangasana. You need to lie on your stomach on the floor so that your palms rest on the floor under your shoulders, then stretch up, arching at the lower back and resting on your palms. You just have to look at the ceiling. This asana is also called cobra pose and is performed while inhaling.
- Adho mukh svanasana. It is also called “downward facing dog.” Lying down, leaning on your hands, you need to raise your tailbone up and lift your torso as high as possible. The back and head form a straight line, the legs form a separate line. Heels should not be lifted off the floor. The pose is performed while exhaling.
- Ashva sanchalasana. Once again, inhaling, do pose 4, but only with support on your right leg.
- Hastapadasana. Repeat asana 3.
- Hasta uttanasana. Repeat pose 2.
Then we complete the cycle with pranamanasana (asana 1) and repeat all 12 asanas, but with the right leg supported.
Pronunciation of texts
When you learn how to do all the exercises and achieve mastery, you need to add words to them - a mantra. Each stage will require a separate one.
- OM MITRAYA NAMAH - “Worship to the friend of the universe.” The sun is the best friend of this world, it gives beauty and power.
- OM RAVAYE NAMAH - “Worship to the one who radiates light.” The sun is an inexhaustible source of light that illuminates everything with divine rays.
- OM SURYAYA NAMAH - “Worship to the one who brings light.” The sun motivates people, encourages them to take action, and gives them the strength to change their lives.
- OM BHANAVE NAMAH - “Adoration to the Illuminator.” The sun brings us enlightenment, that is why it is called Bhanava. It is a mentor who dispels the darkness of ignorance, just as dawn comes instead of night.
- OM KHAGAYA NAMAH - “Worship to the One Who Moves in the Heavens.” Khagaya represents time. The sun moves across the sky, making us aware of the immediacy of life, its speed. It helps those who are attentive to time.
- OM PUSHNE NAMAH - “Worship to the one who gives life energy.” Fur is a source of energy. The sun gives physical strength and strength of spirit and mind. It affects every aspect of life.
- OM HIRANYAGARBHAYA NAMAH - “Worship of the heavenly Light - the golden sphere.” The sun (Hiranya garbha) is the source of all living things, the golden sphere from which life and beauty emerge.
- OM MARICHAYE NAMAH - “Worship to the radiant Lord of the dawn.” Light gives enlightenment, wisdom and wealth.
- OM ADITYA NAMAH - “Worship of the child Aditi.” This is the energy of the Universe, cosmic matter, and the Sun is its ideal child, combining vitality and intelligence.
- OM SAVITRE NAMAH - “Worship to the one who awakens the world.” With dawn, all living things wake up: plants, animals and people. The sun is the force that makes the world move.
- OM ARKAYA NAMAH - “Worship to the One Worthy of Praise.” The sun acts as a force that makes you fight, live, act, dream. It ignites people's souls.
- OM BHASKARAYA NAMAH - “Worship to the one who shows the path to enlightenment.” The sun is absolute truth, wisdom and knowledge. It allows you to understand yourself and the world around you, and find a way of salvation.
By repeating these mantras and exercises, you will learn to perceive things from a different angle, discard all worries and unnecessary emotions, love yourself and the world around you. Surya Namaskar can be done every morning. This will charge you with positive energy and mood for the whole day, and help you achieve a state of peace.
In this article:
Surya Namaskar is a popular mantra that occupies a special place in the teaching. This is one of the best prayers in Yoga, which allows you to achieve serious positive results. Under the influence of this mantra, the flow of vital energy increases, which makes a person healthier and more resistant to possible life difficulties.
Practice Surya Namaskar
The Surya Namaskar mantra method includes not only saying a prayer, but also performing certain actions, that is, the spoken words and sounds must be accompanied by the necessary asanas in strict sequence.
By following the established rules, any person can achieve excellent rejuvenating and cleansing effects.
The first results will be noticeable after three lessons, however, for this it is necessary to apply the practice daily, in full compliance with all requirements and recommendations.
Mantra
Surya Namaskar is a prayer or salutation to the Sun that includes the work of the mind, consciousness and body. Although the performer is required to adopt special postures to produce powerful positive effects, the practice is more spiritual and meditative than physical.
The best time to practice Surya Namaskar is early in the morning, ideally starting shortly before sunrise. Some teachings directly state that a positive effect from this practice can only be obtained if the performer is able to create an energetic connection with the Luminary, and this can only be done at certain hours.
The ideal place for Surya Namaskar is an open area - in nature or just in the fresh air. If you do not have such an opportunity, then any other place will do, the main thing is that you should be facing east, and you also need to ensure a flow of fresh air into the room.
Before class, you need to perform a morning ablution, but under no circumstances have breakfast, as your stomach should be empty and free. Your clothes should be loose and comfortable, made from natural materials (linen works well).
Performing the Surya Namaskar ritual
This is an extremely effective practice, which can even be called a kind of sacrament or magical ritual. With its help, you can improve your health, get rid of internal negativity and fears, generally improve your quality of life and remove many obstacles.
Pranamasana
There are several options for carrying out such a ritual, but we will consider the classical practice, which includes a sequence of 12 asanas. For each individual asana, its translation into Russian, the phase of your breathing, the chakra with which the pose interacts, the area of the body and the mantra will be indicated.
First stage - Pranamasana
Pranamasana is a prayer pose, a posture of deep reverence that is associated with Anahata and the heart region. Taking this position, a person entrusts his spirit and his body to the mercy of the Heavenly Lord, hoping to receive his blessing, love and energy.
Stand up straight, fold your palms in front of you as you do during prayer.
The words of the mantra are Om Temple, Om Mitraya Namaha - greeting to the universal friend.
The ancient scriptures say that you should turn to the Sun, which awakens and supports all living beings on earth, it generously distributes its gifts to all those in need. In a mood of gratitude to the Sun, you need to begin your practice.
Stage two – Hasta Uttanasana
Hasta Uttanasana is an extended arms pose while inhaling, you need to bend back as far as your body allows and extend your arms behind your head so that they are parallel to the floor.
The pose is responsible for Vishuddha - the throat.
Mantra - Om Hrim, Om Ravaye Namah - greeting to the radiant one.
This pose symbolizes greeting and gratitude to the Sun, the one who spreads radiance and light across the earth, reaching the most distant and dark corners of space.
By stretching his entire body in one direction, a person seems to rush towards the radiance of the Sun, thereby expressing his intentions to accept it into himself.
Third stage - Hastapadasana
Hastapadasana is a pose of palms attached to the feet, which is taken while exhaling, and is responsible for Svathisthana - the chakra of the lower abdomen.
Mantra - Om Hrum, Om Surya Namah - greeting to the Luminary.
Surya is considered one of the most powerful and popular Gods in India. This God controls the seven planes of existence that manifest in our Universe. Surya is considered a symbol of Sublimity and the dominance of the Mind over the body. When a person tunes into the image of the radiant Sun, he also tunes into Surya.
In this pose, you need to lean forward and touch your palms to your feet.
Stage four – Ashva Sanchalasana
To assume this pose, you need to bend the knee of your right leg, and extend your left leg as far back as possible, your back also arches back, and your arms are parallel to the floor.
The pose is responsible for Agya - the area between the eyebrows.
Mantra - Om Temple, Om Bhanave Namah - greeting to the brilliant.
The Sun is also the personification of the Teacher for any practitioner, Teacher or internal Mentor who helps to find the right path and guides to the Light. In this position, a person asks the teacher to dispel the Darkness and guide him on the right path.
Fifth stage – Adho Mukha Svanasana
As you exhale, you should rise up and, with straight legs, bend forward, touching your palms to the floor, forming the letter “L” with your body. This position is also called downward-facing dog pose.
Mantra - Om Temple, Om Khagaya Namaha.
Responsible for Vishuddha and the throat area.
For humans, the Sun is the main Lord of Time; it measures the past hours, days and years. In addition, the Luminary is also a Judge, it measures our lives, measures the time for the implementation of plans and desires, the time for finding our destiny and walking along the right path. In the fifth position, a person asks the Sun for understanding and the opportunity to use the given time worthily.
Stage six – Ashtanganamaskara
This is the eight-point greeting position, during which you need to hold your breath. Responsible for Manipura.
Mantra – Om Temple, Om Pushne Namaha.
To take this pose, you need to lie on the floor, face down, so as to touch its surface with eight points - feet, knees, palms, chest and chin.
The sun is our ruler and our master, who supports the strength of our hearts and souls. The luminary gives us energy, its light and joy, which spreads throughout the world and is available to all living beings. In this position, a person touches the ground with eight points of his own body, symbolizing the desire to connect with the earth, thereby expressing his deep love to his patron.
Seventh stage - Bhujangasana
This position is called the cobra pose, performed while inhaling. She is responsible for Svadhishthana - the lower abdomen chakra.
Mantra – Om Temple, Om Hiraniya Garbhaya Namaha.
To take this pose, you need, without rising, to stretch both legs back, and lift your upper body on your arms. Your legs should touch the ground along their entire length.
The seventh position is a person’s prayer, in which he asks for the revelation of talents and all the abilities of his mind.
Eighth stage – Adho Mukh Svanasana
Repeat the downward facing dog pose while exhaling.
Responsible for the throat.
Mantra – Om Hrim, Om Marichaya Namaha.
Marichi or Marichaya is the name of one of the 7 greatest sages and one of the 10 forefathers, which can be translated as a ray of shining sun.
In this position, a person asks the sun to save him from mirages, illusions, seeks guidance on the right path, wants to open a true vision of situations in the world.
Ninth stage – Ashva Sanchalasana
At the ninth stage, the person again assumes the rider's pose while inhaling.
Mantra – Om Hrum, Om Aditya Namaha.
Aditya is a name belonging to mother Surya, who is called the Universal Mother. She is the Goddess and mother of all things, and therefore is an inexhaustible source of creative energy.
Tenth stage – Hastapadasana
Repeat the pose of palms on feet while exhaling.
Mantra – Om Temple, Om Savitre Namaha.
Savitre is another image of Surya, who is responsible for perception and strength. It is customary to turn to this image early in the morning, asking it for strength and determination.
Eleventh stage – Hastauttanasana
Repeat the pose with arms extended back while inhaling.
Mantra – Om Temple, Om Arkaya Namaha.
Arkaya is the pure energy of the Sun, the power of joy, happiness, purity and health. In this pose, a person thanks his Creator for his energy that gives birth to life.
Twelfth stage – Pranamasana
Return to the original, prayer position as you exhale.
Mantra – Om Hrah, Om Bhaskaraya Namaha.
This is the final stage of the complex, at which a person returns to the original position, he thereby expresses his reverence and respect for the Sun, as the main source of all Truths and Laws in the universe. A luminary is something that is called upon to illuminate the human path leading to final liberation. With this position, a person asks the Sun to descend on him with his blessing.
About using practice
12 consecutive poses or asanas are only half of the required circle, that is, all these actions must be performed twice, however, you will need to start from the other leg.
In the first stages of working with this technique, it is common for every person to make certain mistakes. There is nothing surprising or shameful in this, because in the process of work we not only ask the Sun for blessings, but also learn to feel our own body as correctly as possible.
By developing skills, you will learn to feel your body, its needs and capabilities; this is another important positive point that can be achieved by working with the Surya Namaskar mantra.
One round of practice is a double repetition of 12 basic poses in the required order, with a change of legs. You need to do several circles a day. For an adult, the optimal number is 12 - that is, each pose must be taken 24 times. At the same time, these wishes are relevant only for experienced people. For beginners, in the initial stages, it will be enough to perform one or three circles. But over time, the number of practices must be increased in order to ultimately get the most positive results from the practice of Surya Namaskar.
To the Sun Salutations complex ( Surya Namaskara) - one of the most famous and widely used by many practitioners.
This sequence of positions (asanas) can be accompanied by various additional yoga tools - breathing, locks (bandhas), as well as mantras.
In this article we will look at mantras that can be used in combination with this complex.
Each of the 12 mantras corresponds to one of the asanas and is pronounced during its execution.
Depending on the speed of the sequence, the mantras can be recited with or without bija mantras.
Bija mantras are untranslatable sound combinations that relate to the Power (shakti) to which we address in the subsequent mantra.
For the Sun it is:
- a horizontal line above a vowel indicates longitude. This vowel is pronounced 2 times longer than usual.
Bija mantras are used to enhance subsequent conversion. For example, the Om mantra is the Mahabija mantra (Great Seed Mantra), without which Vedic texts are usually not recited.
In one of the variants of the practice of the Sun Salutation complex, you can use only bija mantras as an additional object for concentrating on the image of the Sun.
Each of the 12 solar mantras is essentially an appeal to different aspects of the Sun, highlighting some characteristic qualities of this energy. We will consider what qualities each of the mantras addresses.
To do this, we will rely on the etymology (origin) of the names of the Sun, and also turn to Vedic texts, mainly the Rig Veda (RV), the most ancient collection of hymns that has come down to us in Sanskrit.
In general, in the Rig Veda, many of the deities to whom the hymns were addressed represented various forces of nature. And there were many solar (solar) deities - Mitra, Surya, Pushan, Savitar. Since ancient times, people had a lot to learn from nature, so we will try to learn what our ancestors wanted to learn from the forces of nature and, in particular, from the Sun.
Miter
Miter (from ma - ‘measure’, ‘observe’) - this is one of the most ancient images of the Vedic pantheon.
This is the one who observes or monitors agreements between individuals, or between social groups - the people and the government, for example. Since ancient times, Mithra has been invoked in oaths or contracts; his name was synonymous with friendliness, a sign of the absence of deception.
Miter - this is the one who maintains order universally (ṛtam) and between people, called the law of dharma.
Later this name was used exclusively as a common noun, meaning “friend”. That is, this is the force that connects, unites people and makes them friends, including through the fulfillment of their obligations. Why is the Sun our friend? Because tomorrow morning a new day will definitely begin: the dawn will be marked by the rising of the sun, and it has never let us down yet.
Thus, Mithra not only monitors the fulfillment of obligations between people, but he himself is an example of fulfilling his duties.
Ravi
Direct translation of the word "Ravi" (from ru - ‘to go’) - ‘sun’. We will see that many names of the Sun are generally translated as light, sun, ray of light, because they have long been used in meanings associated with it.
In Hindi we come across the day of the week as 'Ravivar' which literally means 'day of the sun'. According to the Vedic science of planets Jyotishu, each day of the week is associated with a planet, and Sunday is the day of the Sun, when it is favorable to perform spiritual practice by turning to this energy.
Ravi - this is the one who is constantly moving, never stopping, due to which the cosmic law (ṛtam) is maintained. But he not only supports this law, but with his movement creates it, setting the cycles of day and night, the change of seasons (summer - winter).
Surya
A large number of hymns in the Rig Veda are dedicated to Surya; This is an ancient force, whose name has survived to this day.
His chariot appears at the edge of the horizon, drawn by seven mares, which represent the rays of the sun.
Surya is the guardian of everything that moves. He motivates all beings to move and perform daily tasks. With his appearance, he awakens nature from sleep and reminds that the time has come to begin fulfilling his duties.
The Eye of Surya - the All-Seeing Surya - is often mentioned in hymns. He is kind to people.
He measures days and prolongs life.
Bhanu
Bhanu (trans.: ‘light’, ‘ray of light’, ‘brilliance’, ‘splendor’). The one who has rays is the Sun. This name correlates with the image of the Sun as one who has rays instead of hair. Since childhood, we have become accustomed to depicting the Sun in exactly this way - a circle from which the rays diverge.
Khaga
Khaga (“kha” - ‘sky’, ‘space’; “ga” - ‘walking’) - walking across the sky. This name can be applied to any creature (bird), object (arrow) or planet that resides in the sky. But the Sun is the main one among them, so traditionally this name is associated with the Sun. He is the leader of the celestial bodies, he occupies a special position among them, distinguished by the fact that he tirelessly fulfills his duties, giving light, warmth and upholding the universal law.
Pushan
Pushan (from puṣ - ‘to flourish’, ‘to luxuriate’, ‘to increase’) - beneficent, bestowing prosperity. This is an ancient Vedic deity; They believe that Pushan not only represents the one who gives prosperity and prosperity, but also personifies the guiding aspect of the Sun. He is the god of the Sun and paths. “He was born to walk along distant paths, along the distant path of heaven and along the distant path of earth” (Rig Veda 10.17.6). He shows the way to people, the lost call to him. He is also a guide from this reality to the divine, he is able to show the way through the worlds.
Hiranyagarbha
Hiranyagarbha (“hiranya” - ‘golden’; “garbha” - ‘womb’, ‘womb’, ‘embryo’).
Often in the Rig Veda, the support of the Universe is symbolized by the rays of the Sun. And this name - Hiranyagarbha - is from Vedic cosmology, which is associated with hymns about the origin of Creation. Hymn 10.121 of the Rig Veda speaks of the origin of the Universe from the Golden Germ, which clearly means the Sun.
This name fully represents the feminine aspect associated with birth, giving life and nurturing. Without the heat and light of the Sun, nothing could exist, grow and develop on Earth. Although this name is in the masculine gender, it refers to the feminine principle of maturation in the womb and birth.
Marichi
Marichi (trans.: ‘ray of light’, ‘particle of light’) is the name of one of the seven ancient sages-seers (saptarishis) who descended from Brahma. He is the compiler of the hymns of the Rig Veda and represents deep wisdom and knowledge.
Aditya
Aditya (‘son of Aditi’), this name denotes belonging to Aditi - one of the most ancient forms of Goddesses, the mother of all Gods.
Aditi - 'infinity'; according to some interpretations, she represents the personification of the sky.
And the Sun is the first son of Aditi, the first son of infinity. The distinctive characteristic of infinity is the absence of limitations. Likewise, the Sun is able to show us infinity and push the boundaries of the usual worldview.
Savitar
Savitar (the name of the doer is from the verb sū - ‘to encourage’, ‘to revive’, ‘to create’). This image occupies a prominent place in the Vedic pantheon. His name is translated as ‘Stimulant’, ‘Reviver’.
Unlike Surya, which is more specific and means the Sun visible in the sky, sunlight, Savitar personifies the solar nature in general, regardless of whether the Sun is visible or not.
The mantra addressed to Savitar and known to us to this day under the name Gayatri or Savitri mantra was especially revered. It was traditionally pronounced at dawn: “May we find the desired radiance of Savitar, the god who animates our thoughts!” (Rig Veda 3.62.10)
Arch
Arch (from arc - ‘to shine’, ‘to praise’, ‘to glorify’, trans.: ‘ray’, ‘flash’, ‘light by itself’).
It is the light that shines on leaves, trees, mountains and drops of water. It is the light that brings colors to life and makes whatever it hits beautiful and vibrant. This is the light that adorns the Earth. It praises what it aims at and treats everything around it with respect, setting an example for us as to how we should treat the world.
Bhaskara
Bhaskara (bhās - ‘light’, kara - ‘doer’) is the one who gives light, the illuminator. It is the nature of the Sun to give light. This name speaks of the most important quality and aspect of the Sun - its constant service to this world. The nature of the Sun is light, and often in the scriptures the light of the Sun is correlated with the light of the soul - our True Self.
Turning to the Sun, trying to understand its nature, we focus our attention on such aspects as service, fulfilling our duties, wisdom and knowledge, and we begin to cultivate these qualities in ourselves. This gives us opportunities for our own development and transformation. Om!
Every year the sun goes through 12 different stages, known as zodiac signs in Western astrology and as rashi in Indian astrology. According to Indian astrology, each Rashi has specific attributes or moods and in each mood the Sun takes a different name. These 12 names are included in the 12 solar names, which are mentally repeated in their respective order in conjunction with the 12 movements (for more information about the Surya Namaskar complex, see the link).
These solar mantras are not just names of the Sun, but each sound syllable contained in them is the carrier of the basic eternal energy (shakti), represented by the Sun itself. By repeating them and concentrating on these mantras, all mental structures will benefit and become sublime.
Although these mantras do not require intellectual understanding, their meaning is conveyed below for people with an investigative mind, as well as for people with a (greater) spiritual bent who wish to use the mantras as a way of tuning into the original source of spiritual insight, symbolized by the Sun. Using these 12 mantras allows you to deepen your Surya Namaskar practice.
Mantras for Surya Namaskar
1. Om Mitraya Namaha(greetings to everyone's friend)
The first pose of Pranamasana, it embodies the pose of entrusting oneself to the original source of all life, as we know it: the Sun is considered as a universal friend, continuously giving light, warmth and energy to support our and all other planets. In the chronicles, Mithra is described as awakening people to activity, supporting the earth and sky and looking down on all creation without discrimination, just as the Sun in the early morning signals the beginning of the day's activity and casts its light on all living things.
2. Om Rawai Namaha(salutations to the shining one)
Ravaya means the one who shines and reveals the divine radiance in all life. In the second pose of Hasta Uttanasana (Ardha Chakrasana), we stretch our entire being upward to the original source of light to receive this radiance.
3. Om Surya Namaha(salutation to the one who induces activity)
Bend towards the feet - Padahastasana.
Here the Sun appears in a very dynamic aspect, like the Deity Surya. In ancient Vedic mythology, Surya was worshiped as the Lord of Heaven, depicted crossing the sky in a fiery carriage drawn by seven horses. This beautiful analogy needs to be interpreted correctly. The seven horses actually represent the seven rays or seven emanations of the Supreme consciousness, which reveal the seven planes of existence: bhu (earthly, material), bhuvar (intermediate astral), suvar (subtle, heavenly), mahar (abode of the devas), janah (abode holy souls who have gone beyond the ego), tapah (the seat of enlightened siddhas) and satyam (the unanalyzable true reality). Surya symbolizes the Supreme Consciousness itself, which controls all these planes of manifestation. Surya is one of the most specific solar Gods; one of the Gods of the first Vedic trinity, his place of residence is the sky, while Agni (fire) is his representative on Earth.
4. Om Bhanave Namaha(salutations to the one who illuminates)
The sun is the physical personification of the guru or teacher who removes the darkness of our delusions, just as the darkness of the night is removed with each dawn. In the 4th pose (Ashva Sanchalanasana - Rider pose) we turn our face towards this radiance and pray for the end of the darkness of the night of ignorance.
5. Om Khagaya Namaha(salutations to the one who moves through the sky)
The sun's daily movement across the sky, which is the basis of our measurement of time, from the early ones used as sundials to the sophisticated inventions used today. In Parvatasana (Gorkha) we offer obeisance to the one who measures time and pray for progress in life.
6. Om Pushne Namaha(salutations to the giver of strength and nourishment)
The sun is the source of all strength. Like the father, it feeds us with energy, light and life. We offer respect in Ashtanga Namaskar by touching the Earth with all eight points of our body. In essence, we offer all of ourselves in the hope that he can provide intelligence, physical and spiritual strength, and nourishment for us.
7. Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha(greeting to the golden cosmic personality)
Hiranya Garbha is also known as the golden egg, resplendent as the Sun, in which Brahma was born, as a manifestation of the personal aspect of existence. Hiranya Garbha is the seed of causality. This entire Universe, before manifesting itself, was contained in a potential state within the Hiranya Garbha. In a way all life is contained in the Sun as potency, and this is the great cosmic principle. We pay homage to the Sun in Bhujangasana, the seventh pose, and pray for the awakening of creativity.
8. Om Marichaya Namaha(salutations to the rays of the sun)
Marichi is one of the sons of Brahma. The rays of light are also sons of the Sun. But this name also means mirage. Throughout our lives we strive for true meaning or purpose, just as a thirsty man seeks water in the desert, but is deceived by the mirage created by the sun's rays and dancing on the horizon. In the 8th pose (Parvatasana), we pray for true insight and discernment to be able to distinguish the real from the unreal.
9. Om Adityaya Namaha(salutations to Aditi's son)
Aditi is one of the many names given to the cosmic mother Mahashakti. She is the mother of all Gods, the boundless and inexhaustible creative power from which all divisions of power originate. The Sun is one of her sons and manifestations. In the 9th pose (Ashva Sanchalanasana) we welcome Aditi, the limitless Cosmic Mother.
10. Om Savitri Namaha(salutations to the one who stimulates the power of the Sun)
Savitri is known as stimulating, awakening, and is often associated with Surya, who also represents the same pose as Padahastasana. Savitri is said to represent the Sun before sunrise, stimulating and awakening one to the activities of the day, and Surya is said to represent the Sun after sunrise, when activities have begun. Therefore, in performing the Padahastasana pose, we salute Savitri to receive the revitalizing power from the Sun.
11. Om Arkaya Namaha(salutation to one who is worthy of praise) Arch means energy.
The sun is the biggest source of energy in our system as we know. In the 11th pose (Hasta Uttanasana) we offer veneration to this source of life and energy.
12. Om Bhaskaraya Namaha(salutations to the one who leads to enlightenment)
In this final greeting we offer respect to the Sun as the symbol of the great revealer of all transcendental and spiritual truths. It illuminates the path leading to our ultimate goal - liberation. In the 12th pose (Pranamasana) we pray that this path will be open to us.
Bija mantra
As a replacement for the 12 names of the Sun, a series or seed syllables are presented here. Bija mantras are sounds that have no literal meaning in themselves, but cause very powerful vibrations of energy within the mind and body.
These are the bija mantras:
1. OM TEMPLE
2. OM HRIM
3. OM CRUM
4. OM KHRAIM
5. OM TEMPLE
6. OM CHRAHA
Six bija mantras are repeated 4 times during the practice of one round of Surya Namaskar.
These or other bija mantras or solar mantras can be recited aloud or mentally depending mainly on the inclination of the practitioner and the speed of practice. If the speed of practice is very slow, you can combine solar mantras with observation of the chakras. If the speed is a little faster, then the bija mantras can be used in the same way. If the physical movements become much faster, then both mantras are repeated alone without passing through the chakras, or observation can be done through the chakras without the mantras.
“Surya Namaskar - technique of solar revitalization” by Swami Saraswati Satyananda.
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