Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutations
Surya Namaskar is a practice of 12 graceful postures in a sequence which is performed to express our gratitude towards the source of energy(sun) to get our own system fine-tune with the nature and allowing our body to become heated to work against disease and make ourselves feel more lively and rejuvenated. In Ashtanga vinyasa tradition as per K.Patabhi jois we must start our yoga practice with sun salutation so we can make our body eligible to move smooth and in flow.
Surya Namaskar Mantras: 12 Mantras of Surya Namaskar
Tadasana ॐ मित्राय नमः
Oṃ Mitrāya Namaḥ
Urdhva Hastasana. ॐ रवये नमः
Oṃ Ravaye Namah
Padahastasana ॐ सूर्याय नमः
Oṃ Sūryāya Namaḥ
Ashwa Sanchalanasana ॐ भानवे नमः
Oṃ Bhānave Namaḥ
Parvatasana ॐ खगाय नमः
Oṃ Khagāya Namaḥ
Ashtanga Namaskara ॐ पूष्णे नमः
Oṃ Pūṣṇe Namaḥ
Bhujangasana ॐ हिरण्यगर्भाय नमः
Oṃ Hiraṇya Garbhāya Namaḥ
Parvatasana ॐ मरीचये नमः
Oṃ Marīcaye Namaḥ
Ashwa Sanchalanasana ॐ आदित्याय नमः
Oṃ Ādityāya Namaḥ
Padahastasana ॐ सवित्रे नमः
Oṃ Savitre Namaḥ
What are the 12 mantras of Surya Namaskar and how are they used?
Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations, has 12 yoga poses inside it and each pose is paired with a specific Sanskrit mantra. The mantras are chanted or mentally reflected with each posture to honor the Sun’s energy as well as align the body’s rhythm with the natural forces:
ॐ मित्राय नमः (Oṃ Mitrāya Namaḥ) – Tadasana
ॐ रवये नमः (Oṃ Ravaye Namaḥ) – Urdhva Hastasana
ॐ सूर्याय नमः (Oṃ Sūryāya Namaḥ) – Padahastasana
ॐ भानवे नमः (Oṃ Bhānave Namaḥ) – Ashwa Sanchalanasana
ॐ खगाय नमः (Oṃ Khagāya Namaḥ) – Parvatasana
ॐ पूष्णे नमः (Oṃ Pūṣṇe Namaḥ) – Ashtanga Namaskara
ॐ हिरण्यगर्भाय नमः (Oṃ Hiraṇya Garbhāya Namaḥ) – Bhujangasana
ॐ मरीचये नमः (Oṃ Marīcaye Namaḥ) – Parvatasana (repeat)
ॐ आदित्याय नमः (Oṃ Ādityāya Namaḥ) – Ashwa Sanchalanasana (opposite side)
ॐ सवित्रे नमः (Oṃ Savitre Namaḥ) – Padahastasana (repeat)
These mantras honor the Sun’s various aspects as well as amplify the energetic and meditative effect of the Sun Salutation practice.
Why are the mantras included with Surya Namaskar?
When a practitioner performs Surya Namaskar and uses Mantras with every pose, it deepens the spiritual aspect of the practice. Every mantra connects a specific pose to the Sun’s energy and warmth. When we chant these mantras or silently recite them, the mantras guide mindfulness, connect breath with movement, as well as enhance inner focus. This elevates the sequence from physical exercise to a moving meditation.
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What does each mantra of Surya Namaskar mean?
The meaning of each Sanskrit mantra of surya namaskar shows a different quality of the Sun and represents a divine energy:
Mitráya means Friend
Ravé is the Sun)
Sūryāya means he who is absorbed in himself
Bhānave means the shining one
Khagāya means the bird who traverses the sky
Pūṣṇe means the nourisher
Hiraṇya Garbhāya means the Golden womb, the symbol of creation
Marīcaye means the luminous
Ādityāya means the offspring of Aditi
Savitre means the golden light or creative energy
These meanings develop a deeper connection as well as intention to each movement.
How can focusing on the 12 mantras improve my Surya Namaskar practice?
When we focus the mantras during Surya the practice of Namaskar improves rhythm, flow, as well as presence. The repetition helps you in synchronising breath and movement with mindful awareness. Focusing on the mantras also adds a meditative layer that activates physical energy as well as mental clarity that balances body and mind.
Can I skip chanting and still benefit from the mantras?
Absolutely! You don’t need to chant the mantras aloud to get the benefits. Simply thinking or mentally reflecting on the meaning of each mantra still helps in directing your breath as well as intention during the flow.
