1. Introduction to Surya Namaskara
Surya Namaskara, or "Sun Salutation," is one of the most iconic and foundational sequences in yoga practice. While it’s often seen as a dynamic series of asanas (poses), its roots extend far deeper into India’s spiritual and historical heritage.
More than a mere physical exercise, Surya Namaskara is an offering to Surya, the Sun God, symbolising the source of energy, life, and consciousness. Its practices have evolved over time, influenced by ancient rituals, tantric traditions, and modern adaptations.
2. Historical Origins of Surya Namaskara
The practice of Surya Namaskara is believed to have ancient origins, though the exact timeline remains elusive. References to sun worship are found in the Rigveda, one of the earliest texts of humanity, where hymns praise Surya for his life-giving force.
Early Vedic rituals included paying homage to Surya at dawn and dusk by chanting mantras, offering water, and performing specific gestures, which eventually influenced the more structured Sun Salutation.
There is a vast section of Mantra from 'Krishna Yajurveda' called Aruna Prashna completely focusing on Sun Salutations.
Traditional practitioners also use this to chant when they practice for 108 times of Sun Salutations.Â
3. The Influence of Saura Tantra
Saura Tantra, a branch of the tantric tradition devoted to Surya (the Sun God), had a profound influence on how Surya Namaskara evolved over time.
In this tradition, specific mantras, meditations, and visualizations were performed with reverence to Surya.
The influence of these tantric practices is visible in Surya Namaskara, particularly in how it combines pranayama (breath control), mantras, and meditative awareness with physical movement.
Thus, The sequence can be seen as a way to stretch and strengthen the body and as a ritual to balance prana (life force), cleanse the mind, and prepare oneself for deeper spiritual practices.
4. The Contribution of Rajah Bhavanarao Pant Pratinidhi of Aundh
One of the most significant figures in the modern development and popularization of Surya Namaskara is Rajah Bhavanarao Pant Pratinidhi of Aundh (1868-1951), a ruler in Maharashtra, India.
Rajah Bhavanarao was deeply committed to the physical and spiritual well-being of his people and was a proponent of physical culture (sharirik shiksha).Â
He recognized the profound benefits of Surya Namaskara as a method of physical exercise and spiritual discipline, advocating it as an essential daily practice.
While the exact historical connections are debated, many credit Rajah Bhavanarao with systematizing Surya Namaskara into a structured sequence of 12 postures.Â
In the 1920s, he published a book on Surya Namaskara, emphasizing its health benefits and encouraging widespread practice. His influence made Surya Namaskara a daily ritual in schools and households across Maharashtra and later throughout India.
5. Types of Surya Namaskara
Surya Namaskara has evolved into multiple variations based on different schools of yoga and regions. Some of the most common forms include:
Classical Surya Namaskara: This is the traditional sequence of 12 steps often practised in Hatha Yoga. It includes poses such as Namaskarasana (Prayer Pose), Urdhva Hastanasana (Raised Arms Pose), and Parvatasana (Mountain Pose). Here, The focus is stretching, toning, and moving with the breath.
Ashtanga Surya Namaskara A and B: In Ashtanga Yoga, there are two primary versions of Surya Namaskara. Surya Namaskara A is simpler, with fewer poses, while Surya Namaskara B is more advanced, incorporating poses like Utkatasana (Chair Pose) and Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose).
Iyengar Surya Namaskara: Iyengar Yoga focuses on precision and alignment, often using props to achieve perfect posture in each asana. In this version, transitions are slower, allowing for deeper alignment.
Watch this video that shows 'Iyengar Surya Namaskara'
Each type serves different purposes - some focus on strength and flexibility, while others emphasize breath and alignment. However, the common thread across all these variations is a harmonious flow between breath and movement.
6. Surya Namaskara in Rituals (Without Asanas)
Before Surya Namaskara became a physical sequence of asanas, it was practiced as a form of worship in daily rituals. In traditional Hindu households and temples, the ritual of Sandhyavandana was an offering to the Sun. This practice involved the recitation of mantras, offering water (Arghya) to Surya, and performing prostrations or salutations.
In its original form, Surya Namaskara did not include physical postures but was more of a prayerful devotion. The Gayatri Mantra, a powerful Vedic chant dedicated to the Sun, is still an integral part of these rituals.
In certain Vedic practices, chanting and visualizing the Sun’s rays were believed to purify the practitioner and align them with the cosmos.
Thus, transitioning from a purely devotional practice to one that incorporates physical movement can be seen as an evolution combining both body and spirit.
7. The Spiritual Essence of Surya Namaskara
At its core, Surya Namaskara is more than just a physical practice. The Sun is seen as the soul of the universe in Vedic tradition, representing the ultimate source of all life. When practising Surya Namaskara, one is essentially bowing down to the life force within and around us, creating a bridge between the inner microcosm and the outer macrocosm.
Surya Namaskara is also a way to cultivate gratitude. By practicing it at sunrise, the yogi connects with the rhythm of nature, acknowledging the role of the sun in sustaining life.
The meditative quality of the sequence, combined with breath awareness and mantra recitation, allows the practitioner to enter a state of mindfulness and balance.
8. Conclusion: The Modern Relevance of Surya Namaskara
Surya Namaskara has come a long way from its ritualistic origins to its place as a staple of modern yoga practice. While its form may have evolved, the essence of devotion, balance, and connection to the cosmos remains central.
Whether practiced as a set of physical postures or a meditative ritual, Surya Namaskara continues to be a powerful tool for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
By understanding its history, its roots in Saura Tantra, and the contributions of figures like Rajah Bhavanarao, modern practitioners can deepen their appreciation for this timeless practice. Surya Namaskara is not just a series of movements - it is a prayer, a meditation, and a way to align oneself with the rhythm of the universe.
Let us continue to practice it with reverence, understanding the rich legacy it carries.
