The term Surya Namaskar is derived from Sanskrit - ‘Surya’ = Sun and ‘Namaskar’ = Salutation.
Namaskar further stems from namas, which means “to bow to” or “to adore”, and te means “you”.

As per the ancient tradition, the yoga practice Surya Namsakar is performed to offer your gratefulness to sun which is the source of life on this planet and a symbol of power, energy & vitality.

Surya Namaskar provides immense health benefit. As per the yogic texts the body has two main nadis or the energy channels – the ‘Pingala’ nadi or Sun/Solar energy channel and the ‘Ida’ nadi or the Moon/Lunar energy channel. The Surya Nadi or Sun Channel runs along the right side. The Sun channel or the Surya Nadi plays the dominant role in one’s physical health. Vitalising this channel can tremendously improve your health.

Each Sun Salutation begins and ends with the joined-hands mudra (gesture) touched to the heart. This placement is no accident; only the heart can know the truth.

The Surya Namaskar or the Sun Salutation is best practiced early in the morning just after sunrise.

Surya namaskar consist of 12 poses:

1. Pranam Asana (Prayer pose)

2. Hasta Uttanasana ( Raised Arms Pose)

3. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold Pose)

4. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Crescent Low Lunge Pose), with the right foot forward

5. Phalakasana (Plank Pose)

6. Ashtangasana (Eight Limbed Pose)

7. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward Facing Dog Pose)

8. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)

9. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Crescent Low Lunge Pose), with the left foot forward

10. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold Pose)

11. Hasta Uttanasana ( Raised Arms Pose)

12. Pranamasana (Prayer Pose)