Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) literally means greeting God Sun respectfully. Surya dev (Sun God) has special significance in many cultures and countries. He is the God which we can feel in physical form by his light and warmth. There is no doubt about that he is the one who keeps life going. In hindu ancient philosophy, there is concept of giving arghya to Sun God every morning. We pray to him and call him in sacrifices (yagna) too.
Also, in yoga there is collection of asanas called Surya namaskar or Sun Salutation. It includes twelve asanas and with each asana we honour Lord Sun. We start the asana (pose) with a mantra, hence 12 mantras are recited while doing 12 asanas of Surya Namaskar.
Here is the list of 12 poses (yoga asanas) along with mantra.
Pose/Yoga Asana | Mantra |
Pranamasana | Om Mitraya Namaha |
Hasta Uttanasana | Om Ravaye Namaha |
Pada Hastasana | Om Suryaya Namaha |
Ashwa Sanchalanasana | Om Bhanave Namaha |
Parvatasana | Om Khagaya Namaha |
Ashtanga Namaskara | Om Pushne Namaha |
Bhujangasana | Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha |
Parvatasana | Om Marichaye Namaha |
Ashwa Sanchalanasana | Om Adityaya Namaha |
Pada Hastasana | Om Savitre Namaha |
Hasta Uttanasana | Om Arkaya Namaha |
Pranamasana | Om Bhaskaraya Namaha |
Meaning of Surya Namaskar Mantras:
Mantra | Name of God Sun | Meaning |
Om Mitraya Namaha | Mitra | Who is friendly to all |
Om Ravaye Namaha | Ravi | The shining one, the radiant one |
Om Suryaya Namaha | Surya | Who is the dispeller of darkness and responsible for bringing activity |
Om Bhanave Namaha | Bhanu | One who illumines, the bright one |
Om Khagaya Namaha | Khaga | Who is all-pervading, one who moves through the sky |
Om Pushne Namaha | Pushna | Giver of nourishment and fulfillment |
Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha | Hiranya Garbha | Who has golden color brilliance |
Om Marichaye Namaha | Marichaya | The giver of light with infinite number of rays |
Om Adityaya Namaha | Aditya | The son of Aditi, the cosmic divine Mother |
Om Savitre Namaha | Savitra | One who is responsible for life |
Om Arkaya Namaha | Arka | Worthy of praise and glory |
Om Bhaskaraya Namaha | Bhaskara | Giver of wisdom and cosmic illumination |
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