Surya Namaskar - Early Rising habit

The habit of early wakeup is really difficult to put in to practice as daily routine especially as being a software engineer with nightly status calls to attend to. Thanks to my brother who suggested me to practice Surya namaskar regularly at early morning. This has pushed me to wake up early for the sake of keeping the body active. It also helps to alleviate mental stress , by allocating some time for toning your body and listening to your breathing. This forms a compelling reason that wakes me up early every day.Personally i feel rejuvenated and proud of practising this treasured ART which our ancestors left for us.It gives "ME" time for me at the start of the day before the busier part begins.

Now about surya namaskar which has 12 movements separated in to 6 forward and 6 backward movements. The best part of it is , it is very easy to learn for beginners who are starting to practice Yoga.

Brief description of each of the movement.

1.Pranamasana

Meaning prayer pose. The palms are brought together touching one’s own heart when bowing down and greeting others. This gesture with the hands is called Pranamasana.

2. Hasta Uttanasana

Meaning Raised arms pose.(aka) crescent moon pose.It expands the chest and the rib cage resulting in full intake of oxygen. The lung capacity is fully utilised.

3. Pada Hastasana

Meaning Hands to Foot pose.Try to bring the head in as close to the knees as possible with the neck relaxed.In the beginning, hold the posture for 5 seconds. It will take some time to practice this pose.

4. Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian posture)

Meaning horse riding pose. The name comes from the Sanskrit words ashva, meaning“horse,” sanchalana, meaning “stepping movement” (like a march) and asana,meaning 

5. Parvatasana (Mountain posture)

Parvatasana comes from the Sanskrit words parvata, meaning “mountain,” andasana, meaning “pose." In parvatasana, the body is thought to resemble the shape of a mountain. Take 5 deep breaths while in this position.

6.Ashtanga Namaskara (Salutation with eight limbs)

The following 8 parts touch the floor – The two feet, the two knees, the two palms, the chest and the chin. Hence this name.

7. Bhujangasana (Cobra posture)

 In Bhujangasana or the Cobra Pose, the head and trunk resembles a cobra with raised hood, hence the name (‘Bhujanga’ means Cobra in sanskrit).


Then #5, #4, #3 , #2 , #1 follows completing the surya namskar sequence.

The most exciting part of it is that, it is really cool to watch the sunrise at 5.45 A.M here at Bangalore. The view itself makes you spritual!.