Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Surya Namaskar Mantras Mean?
The Surya Namaskar Mantras are a collection of 12 verses to be recited whilst practicing Surya Namaskar. Sanskrit for 'Sun Salutations', Surya Namaskar is a sequence of 12 poses, each flowing from one to the next. Sun Salutations are the foundation of any well-rounded yoga practice, particularly used as a preliminary warm-up for more challenging or long-held asana.
Each of the 12 Surya Namaskar Mantras pairs with each of the 12 poses, and can be chanted audibly or mentally whilst practicing. These mantras add a profound spiritual element to the practice, whilst simultaneously slowing down the pace to bring more awareness to the mind-body-breath connection.
Yogapedia Explains Surya Namaskar Mantras
The 12 mantras should be paired with the poses of Surya Namaskar A, as follows:
- Asana: Pranamasana (Prayer Pose)
Mantra: Om Mitraya Namaha
Meaning: "Salutations to the Friend of all."
- Asana: Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose)
Mantra: Om Ravaye Namaha
Meaning: "Salutations to the Shining One."
- Asana: Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold)
Mantra: Om Suryaya Namaha
Meaning: "Salutations to the One who induces activity."
- Asana: Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose)
Mantra: Om Bhanave Namaha
Meaning: "Salutations to He who illuminates."
- Asana: Kumbhakasana (Plank Pose)
Mantra: Om Khagaya Namaha
Meaning: "Salutations to He who moves quickly through the sky."
- Asana: Ashtanga Namaskara (Eight-Limbed Salutation or "Knees Chest Chin")
Mantra: Om Pushne Namaha
Meaning: "Salutations to the Giver of Strength."
- Asana: Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Mantra: Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha
Meaning: "Salutations to the golden cosmic Self."
- Asana: Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)
Mantra: Om Marichaye Namaha
Meaning: "Salutations to the Lord of the Dawn."
- Asana: Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose)
Mantra: Om Adityaya Namaha
Meaning: "Salutations to the son of Aditi, the cosmic Mother."
- Asana: Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold)
Mantra: Om Savitre Namaha
Meaning: "Salutations to the Lord of Creation."
- Asana: Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose)
Mantra: Om Arkaya Namaha
Meaning: "Salutations to He who deserves praise."
- Asana: Pranamasana (Prayer Pose)
Mantra: Om Bhaskaraya Namaha
Meaning: "Salutations to the One who leads to enlightenment."
Reciting these mantras whilst practicing Surya Namaskar creates a balanced flow of pranic energy within the body, providing a sense of internal harmony. The soothing vibration of these mantras may even relieve fatigue, giving you renewed energy for the day ahead.
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