Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
A dynamic sequence of postures honoring the Sun, the source of energy and light. Explore the mantras associated with each step.
Mantras for Each Step
In many traditions, each of the 12 steps in Surya Namaskar is accompanied by a specific mantra invoking a name of Surya, the Sun God.
| Step | Asana (Posture) | Sanskrit Mantra | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tadasana (Pranamasana) | ॐ मित्राय नमः | "...is affectionate to all" |
| 2 | Urdhva Hastasana | ॐ रवये नमः | "...is the cause of all changes" |
| 3 | Padahastasana (Uttanasana) | ॐ सूर्याय नमः | "...induces all activity" |
| 4 | Ashwa Sanchalanasana | ॐ भानवे नमः | "...diffuses light" |
| 5 | Parvatasana (Adho Mukha Svanasana) | ॐ खगाय नमः | "...moves in the sky" |
| 6 | Ashtanga Namaskara | ॐ पूष्णे नमः | "...nourishes all" |
| 7 | Bhujangasana | ॐ हिरण्यगर्भाय नमः | "...contains the golden rays" |
| 8 | Parvatasana (Adho Mukha Svanasana) | ॐ मरीचये नमः | "...possesses rays" |
| 9 | Ashwa Sanchalanasana | ॐ आदित्याय नमः | "...is son of Aditi" |
| 10 | Padahastasana (Uttanasana) | ॐ सवित्रे नमः | "...produces everything" |
| 11 | Urdhva Hastasana | ॐ अर्काय नमः | "...is fit to be worshipped" |
| 12 | Tadasana (Pranamasana) | ॐ भास्कराय नमः | "...is the cause of lustre" |
The full invocation for each mantra is "Om, greetings to the one who..." followed by the translation.