Surya Namaskar is a series of twelve yoga postures performed in sequence, synchronized with the breath, paying homage to the Sun God, Surya. Each posture in the sequence stretches, flexes, and tones various muscles, enhancing flexibility, strength, and overall vitality. The Sun, revered as the ultimate source of light and life, symbolizes consciousness, energy, and divine grace in Hinduism. Hence, the practice of Surya Namaskar is considered a means of paying reverence to this celestial deity while simultaneously promoting physical well-being.
Explanation of the Mantra:
This is the most revered and powerful mantras in Hinduism. Let’s break down its meaning:
- “ॐ ध्येयः सदा सवितृमण्डल मध्यवर्ति” (Om Dhyeyaḥ Sadā Savitṛmaṇḍala Madhyavarti):
- “ॐ” (Om): This is the primordial sound, representing the essence of the universe, the ultimate reality, or Brahman.
- “ध्येयः” (Dhyeyaḥ): The one who is worthy of meditation or contemplation.
- “सदा” (Sadā): Always.
- “सवितृमण्डल” (Savitṛmaṇḍala): The sphere or orb of the Sun, referring to the solar system or the cosmic order.
- “मध्यवर्ति” (Madhyavarti): Who is situated in the center.
Meaning: This part of the mantra describes the Sun (Savitṛ) as the focal point or center of the solar system and the cosmic order. It emphasizes meditating upon the Sun, which represents the divine light of knowledge, wisdom, and cosmic consciousness.
- “नारायणः सरसिजासन्संइविष्टः” (Nārāyaṇaḥ Sarasijāsana Samīviṣṭaḥ):
- “नारायणः” (Nārāyaṇaḥ): Another name for Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu trinity.
- “सरसिजासन” (Sarasijāsana): Seated on a lotus.
- “संइविष्टः” (Samīviṣṭaḥ): Fully present or immersed.
Meaning: This part refers to Lord Vishnu, who is often depicted as seated on a lotus flower, symbolizing purity and transcendence. It highlights the presence of the divine within the Sun, suggesting that the Sun is a manifestation of the divine cosmic energy.
- “केयूरवान मकरकुण्डलवान किरीटी” (Keyūravān Makarakuṇḍalavān Kirīṭī):
- “केयूरवान” (Keyūravān): Adorned with armlets.
- “मकरकुण्डलवान” (Makarakuṇḍalavān): Wearing earrings in the shape of makara (a mythical sea creature).
- “किरीटी” (Kirīṭī): Wearing a crown or diadem.
Meaning: This part describes the Sun as adorned with divine ornaments such as armlets, earrings, and a crown, symbolizing royalty, power, and authority. It portrays the Sun as a majestic and divine entity worthy of worship and reverence.
- “हारी हिरण्मयवपुधृतशंखचक्रः” (Hārī Hiraṇmayavapudhṛtaśaṅkhacakrāḥ):
- “हारी” (Hārī): Who is adorned with a garland.
- “हिरण्मयवपुधृत” (Hiraṇmayavapudhṛta): Having a golden-hued body.
- “शंखचक्रः” (Śaṅkhacakrāḥ): Holding the conch and discus (symbols of Lord Vishnu).
Meaning: This part describes the Sun as adorned with a golden-hued body and holding the divine weapons of Lord Vishnu, namely the conch (śaṅkha) and the discus (cakra). It reinforces the divine nature of the Sun and its association with Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe.
Overall, the Sun Mantra glorifies the Sun as the divine source of light, energy, and wisdom, representing the ultimate reality or Brahman. It invokes blessings from the divine cosmic energy, seeking guidance, protection, and enlightenment for the practitioner.
The Main Mantra Lyrics
ॐ ध्येयः सदा सवितृमण्डल मध्यवर्ति ।
नारायणः सरसिजासन्संइविष्टः ।
केयूरवान मकरकुण्डलवान किरीटी ।
हारी हिरण्मयवपुधृतशंखचक्रः ॥
ॐ ह्रां मित्राय नमः ।
ॐ ह्रीं रवये नमः ।
ॐ ह्रूं सूर्याय नमः ।
ॐ ह्रैं भानवे नमः ।
ॐ ह्रौं खगाय नमः ।
ॐ ह्रः पूष्णे नमः ।
ॐ ह्रां हिरण्यगर्भाय नमः ।
ॐ ह्रीं मरीचये नमः ।
ॐ ह्रूं आदित्याय नमः ।
ॐ ह्रैं सवित्रे नमः ।
ॐ ह्रौं अर्काय नमः ।
ॐ ह्रः भास्कराय नमः ।
ॐ ह्रां ह्रीं ह्रूं ह्रैं ह्रौं ह्रः
ॐ श्रीसवितृसूर्यनारायणाय नमः ॥
आदितस्य नमस्कारान् ये कुर्वन्ति दिने दिने ।
आयुः प्रज्ञा बलं वीर्यं तेजस्तेषां च जायते ॥