Surya Namaskar – A complete guide for the Ancient Yoga workout

Origin of Surya Namaskar in Hindu Myth

According to Hindu belief it is said that Hanuman, the monkey hero in epic Ramayana was the one who created Surya Namaskar. The legend goes like this:

When Hanuman needed an education his mother Anjana suggested him to be the student of Surya, the sun god in Hinduism. So, Hanuman requested Surya to be his teacher. But what Surya was told him that he has no spare time at all and he must keep moving all the time, and he asked Hanuman “how can you learn if I am moving?” But Hanuman was not ready to give up, he asked Surya “what if I move with you? Will you accept me as your student?” Surya get impressed with his reply and accept him as his disciple.

Hanuman positioned himself facing Surya and Surya, started to move. Hanuman always move backward because it was said that you shouldn’t turn your back on you teacher. Hanuman was a fast learner. Surya was very proud of hanuman’s dedication. When he completed his studies, he asked Surya what he return as a fee for his training. But for Surya was declined any payment from Hanuman because of impressed with his dedication.

But hanuman offered his gratitude and he created Surya Namaskar as a guru dakshina.

Historic Origin of Surya Namaskar

There is some disagreement about the origin of Surya Namaskar. Some says that Surya Namaskar was originated in Vedic period date backs 2,500 years ago. During that period people are worship sun for prosperity. Therefore, Surya Namaskar may create as a ritual to worship the Sun.

Others says that Surya Namaskar was invented by the raja of Aundh in the early 20^th century and spread to west in 1920s or 1930s. In the 1920s Surya Namaskar was popularized by Bhavanarao Pant Pratinidhi and in 1928 he wrote a book about it called Surya Namaskar for Health, Efficiency and Longevity. In 1938, he wrote another book called The Ten-Point Way to Health in which the Surya Namaskar was illustrated with little difference in movements.

Theories may be varying but one thing is accepted by everyone, Surya Namaskar is a great exercise that help us to maintain our health and wellbeing.

How to do Surya Namaskar?

Surya Namaskar mainly consist of 2 elements which are

Asana (Posture).

Mantra (Sacred sound or word)

The following video will help you to learn Sun salutation