Surya Namaskar Mantra: The Flow of Asana & Intention
Not just movement β mindfulness in motion.
Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation, is more than just a sequence of poses. Itβs a graceful dance β a blend of breath, body, and reverence. Each posture flows into the next with intention. Each mantra? A gentle whisper to the universe. A thank-you. A connection. A moment of stillness within movement.
Letβs walk through it β not like robots, but like real peopleβ¦ feeling our way in.
1. Pranamasana β The Prayer Pose
Begin by standing tall. Feet grounded. Palms together at your heart center. Simply⦠breathe.
π Mantra: Om Mitraya Namaha
“Salutations to the Friend of all.”
A humble greeting to the universe, with hands folded in gratitude.
2. Hasta Uttanasana β Raised Arms Pose
Inhale. Stretch your arms overhead. Gently arch back. Feel the space in your spine. Maybe smile.
π Mantra: Om Ravaye Namaha
“Salutations to the Shining One.”
Youβre greeting the light β both around and within you.
3. Padahastasana β Hand to Foot Pose
Exhale. Hinge at the hips. Fold forward. Let your hands reach toward the Earth. Itβs okay to bend your knees. Itβs not about perfection.
π Mantra: Om Suryaya Namaha
“Salutations to the One who induces activity.”
The Sun wakes the world β and us too.
4. Ashwa Sanchalanasana β Equestrian Pose
Inhale. Step your right leg back. Drop the knee. Lift your chest. Look forward. Be steady.
π Mantra: Om Bhanave Namaha
“Salutations to He who illuminates.”
Not just the sky β but your path, your purpose.
5. Kumbhakasana β Plank Pose
Hold the breath. Step the other leg back. Engage your core. Stay strong. Stay present.
π Mantra: Om Khagaya Namaha
“Salutations to He who moves through the sky.”
The Sun never stops β neither do you.
6. Ashtanga Namaskara β Eight-Limbed Pose
Exhale. Lower your knees, chest, and chin to the mat. Keep your hips slightly lifted. Surrender.
π Mantra: Om Pushne Namaha
“Salutations to the Giver of Strength.”
This one humbles you β and strengthens you.
7. Bhujangasana β Cobra Pose
Inhale. Slide forward. Lift the chest. Let your heart lead. Elbows soft. Shoulders away from the ears.
π Mantra: Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha
“Salutations to the Golden Cosmic Self.”
Youβre radiant. Powerful. Limitless.
8. Parvatasana β Mountain (Downward Dog) Pose
Exhale. Push back. Lift your hips high. Let your head relax. Youβre a mountain β rooted yet reaching.
π Mantra: Om Marichaye Namaha
“Salutations to the Lord of the Dawn.”
That morning light? This is where it lives.
9. Ashwa Sanchalanasana β Equestrian Pose (Other Side)
Inhale. Bring your right foot forward. Left knee down. Chest open. Gaze ahead.
π Mantra: Om Adityaya Namaha
“Salutations to the Son of Aditi, the Cosmic Mother.”
The Sun β born of the stars, just like you.
10. Padahastasana β Forward Fold Again
Exhale. Step the other foot forward. Fold gently. Feel the earth. Let go.
π Mantra: Om Savitre Namaha
“Salutations to the Lord of Creation.”
Every breath β a new beginning.
11. Hasta Uttanasana β Rise Again
Inhale. Stretch your arms up. Gently arch back. Expand into the light.
π Mantra: Om Arkaya Namaha
“Salutations to He who is worthy of praise.”
Youβve come this far β honor that.
12. Pranamasana β Return to Prayer Pose
Exhale. Return to center. Palms at heart. Eyes closed, if you like. Feel the shift.
π Mantra: Om Bhaskaraya Namaha
“Salutations to the One who leads to enlightenment.”
Youβve journeyedβ¦ and yet, youβve only just begun.
βοΈ And thatβs just half a round.
For a full cycle, repeat the sequence leading with the left leg where you previously led with the right. Balance β in movement and in life β is the heart of this practice.
Take your time. Donβt rush. Let it unfold β one breath, one mantra, one gentle gesture at a time.