Surya Namaskar and Astrology

Recently, University Grants Commission (UGC) advised the Surya Namaskar event on 73rd Republic Day to its colleges and universities. This news triggered my curiosity to learn more about the asana. And as I researched, it further fueled my interest to find its connection withAstrology. To begin, let us understand the concept of Surya Namaskar and its benefits

Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation Means Saluting to the Source of Life, the Sun

It involves a series of asanas or yogic postures which is a complete exercise in itself for all major joints, muscles, ligaments and bones of the body. The ideal time to do Surya Namaskar is early morning in front of the rising sun. It is not only the largest star in the Universe but also a force that regulates our Energy, Health, Reputation, Physical strength and Leadership qualities.

Do you know why is it also called a Pranic Exercise?

To understand that, let us quickly look into the meaning of two Sanskrit words Prana and Nadi as per our ancient inscriptions.

Prana means the Vital force or Life Energy or the very essence of our existence or the air that we breathe in. While Nadis refer to the network of channels that facilitate the movement of Prana inside it and to the different organs of the body. When we perform Surya Namaskar it improves the quality, quantity and flow of Prana in the Nadis with ease. It vitalizes the solar energy of the body and generates a dynamic fulfilling life. And this awakening of Prana shakti undoubtedly confers agility, flexibility, good posture, lean body, good health, physical strength, courage, self-confidence and clear thinking. Not to mention we all need a higher level of Prana Shakti to face day-to-day life and the inbuilt stress of the world.

Summarizing The Benefits Of Surya Namaskar

• It strengthens the entire body from head to toe and improves the sensory organs.
• Regular practice of Surya Namaskar ensures a balanced supply of oxygen to the blood and there on to the entire system of the body.
• It hasan important role in curing Edema. As it ensures smooth flow of all the fluids in the body and prevents any fluid retention.
• Improves Kidney function and also ensures a healthy heart, manages hormonal imbalance, nervous system and sugar levels.
• In addition to the physical benefits, it is also spiritually beneficial.
• It Purifies the Nadis which helps in the Kundalini Shakti awakening.
• Clearly empowers the human soul to elevate himself to a higher state of mind and intellect.

Surya Namaskar and Chakra

It activates the Solar plexus chakra, which is responsible for qualities like Will Power, Identity, Ambition, excellence, determination, courage, confidence, resilience and self-dignity. Solar Plexus generates heat inside us and produces solar energy. And this Solar energy synchronizes our natural physical, emotional and mental state of well being with the Solar system.

Hence Astrology Recommends Surya Namaskar To:

• People with a weak third or fire chakra or Manipura which is located in our Solar plexus. Askganesha suggests performing Chakra balancing Puja.
• Who are always under some fear of failure or rejection, feel unworthy or have no social status.
• Those who want to have a powerful position in life should do Surya Namaskar with Mantras
• As Sun is considered to be the King of Navagrahas, anybody facing a critical Navagraha problem must perform Surya Namaskar with Mantra every day to the rising Sun.
• And it is definitely recommended for people with inauspicious Surya Greha effects in the kundalini like loss of respect, suffering by father, big hurdles in success, heart and ophthalmic disease.

However, there is a proper way to do Surya Namaskar bearing the Timings, Yantras to be used and Mantras to chant.

Recommendations

Askganesha can help to strengthen your Sun planet and guide you to attain maximum benefit from the Surya Namaskar. Please visit this page Askganesha Surya Namaskar and energizes your health and quality of life with the Solar energy of the universe. Furthermore to attain the maximum possible benefits we suggest you the following three factors:

1. Asanas or body postures: Surya Namaskar has twelve body postures or asanas Each asana has a tremendous positive impact on enhancing the functions of the brain, muscles, blood circulation and in improving metabolism.

2. Breathing technique: All the asanas or postures should be done by bringing awareness to the breath. The mind becomes relaxed and focuses shifts inward towards the asanas from the outer world. Do not hold your breath while doing asanas as it may put stress on your body.

3. Mantras Chanting: Each of the twelve postures of this exercise is associated with a mantra. A specific mantra has to be chanted with each posture. It will smoothen the flow of energy in the body and remove all the roadblocks.

Thus a combination of all these three elements builds a deeper connection with the Divine power.

Steps or Asanas of the Surya Namaskar

It is advisable to chant mantras at least mentally with each of the 12 asanas as listed below:

• Pranamasana or Prayer pose - Om mitraaya namah Always stand in the direction of the rising Sun, facing east with feet together close to each other at the heels, hands together palm-to-palm on the chest.
• Hasta Uttanasana or Raised arms pose - Om ravaye namah Inhale and raise the arms upward. Slowly bend backwards, stretching arms above the head.
• Padahastasana or Standing forward bend pose - Om suryaya namah Exhale slowly bending forward, touching the ground until the hands are in line with the feet, try bringing the head close to knees.
• Ashwa Sanchalanasana or Lunge pose - Om bhaanave namah Inhale and take a wide backward step with the right leg, place it as far as possible. Keep the hands and another leg firmly on the ground. And Raise your head and open up your chest.
• Chaturanga Dandasana or Plank pose - Om svagaaya namah While exhaling, take the left foot backwards and keep it close to the right leg. Form an upward arch by raising the hips, Keep arms straight, align the head and the arms.
• Ashtanga Namaskara or Eight limb pose - Om pushne namah Exhale and lower the body, touch the ground with your knees, raise upwards your hip, bring your hands, chest and forehead down to the floor. Keep the elbow raised and close to the chest.
• Bhujangasana or Cobra pose - Om hiranyagarbhaya namah Inhale and slowly lower the hips to the floor, raise the upper body and bend backward as much as possible. Keep your hands firmly grounded and look upwards.
• Adho Mukha Svanasana or Parvatasna or Downward facing dog pose - Om mareechaye namah : Exhale and raise high the hip, Keep arms straight, forming a deep upward arch like a mountain. Eyesight should be on the navel, not the feet.

'Adho Mukha Svanasana helps cure swollen veins which are also known as varicose veins.

• Ashwa Sanchalanasana or Lunge pose - Om aadityaaya namah Inhale and move the right leg forward between the hands, left knees should be on the ground with toes pointing out. Head looking forward, Chest open and shoulder away from the ear.
• Padahastasana or Standing forward bend pose - Om savitre namah Exhale slowly taking the left foot forward between the hands. The Head should touch the knees and keep hands in line with the feet.
• Hasta Uttanasana or Raised Arm pose - Om arkaaya namah Inhale and raise the arms upward. Slowly bend backwards, stretching the arms.
• Pranamasana or Prayer pose - Om bhaskaraaya namah Exhale, stand upright in a prayer position and bring your palm close to the chest.

Surya Namaskar relaxes the nervous system, oxygenates the full-body, opens up blockages, increases flexibility and mind power. We seek the blessings of the illuminator of the earth to energise our life and health.