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Sunday, December 20, 2015

Surya Namaskaar


There are many customs that are integral part of Vedic culture that pertains to showing our gratitude to the Nature (Prakirti) that manifests in the form of Sun, Moon, rivers, forests and animals around us. Since times immemorial Sun worship was a central and integral part of religious practice on the Indian subcontinent.  This is evident in the presence of Konarak and Arasavelli (A.P.)  Sun temples.

There are numerous references of praising the Sun for the purpose of good health and prosperity, in Vedas. Some of these Vedic hymns were incorporated into "Nitya Vidhi" (Daily routine prayers) for the well being of an individual, through the salutations to the Sun. These daily procedures were termed as Surya Namaskaar (literally translates as "sun salutations").