The Swayamsevaks from 19 Shakhas of IT Milan spread across Hyderabad and Secunderabad have been entrusted with the task to reach out to people living in their neighbourhood and instil in them one of the ancient cult yogas, Surya Namashkar as part of the Surya Namashkar Yajna. Wherever they are they can initiate the initiative.

Why Surya Namashkar Yajna? The thought process behind this whole exercise needs to be dissected before plunging into any sort of conclusion, is it worth practicing or mere idea to propagate Hindu values among the masses in the name of Surya Namashkar Yajna.

The initiative reminds me of one famous quotation from one of the legends of Indian History. “Go back to the Vedas” expressed by Swami Dayananda Sarswati magnetizes us to delve into our rich ancient history, culture and heritage for enlightenment. And Surya Namashkar Yajna is one such element of rich Hindu heritage.

The ancient Indian yoga practice of Surya Namashkar (Salutation to Sun God) is absolutely fraught with benefits galore. The yoga comprises a series of body postures and movements called asanas, 12 asanas make one cycle of Surya Namashkar. The series involves spreading of backbone backwards and forwards and inhalation and exhalation of fresh air. As per Vedas, we salute the Sun god; the Surya Namashkar yoga should be performed at sunrise but can be practiced as per your suitability, no hard and fast rules.

At the onset of Surya Namashakar, following Mantras are chanted:

Om Mitraaya Namah

Om Ravaye Namah

Om Suryaaya Namah

Om Bhaanave Namah

Om Khagaaya Namah

Om Puushne Namah

Om Hiranyagarbhaaya Namah

Om Mareechaye Namah

Om Aadityaaya Namah

Om Savitre Namah

Om Arkaaya Namah

Om Bhaaskaraaya Namah

Om Shree Savitru Suurya Naaraayanaaya Namah

Benefits of Surya Namashkar

Whether you would like to execute Surya Namashkar in your day to day life or not, it rests on your discretion, but through my experience, I can say, it’s incredible. Here are some of its incredible benefits:

Relieves stiffness

Invigorates entire body

Refreshes mental faculty

Improves flexibility of the body

Benefits joints, ligaments

Improves body posture

Instils new energy

Improves functioning of prominent systems like cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive  

Improves the functioning of glands like thyroid, parathyroid and pituitary glands

Well, some critics, self-styled intellectuals, I am sure will definitely smell rat even in this wonderful initiative of R.S.S, spread Surya Namashkar among masses that instils in them the virtues of intellect, meditation, discipline and healthy lifestyle. This is really the need of the hour in this beautiful country as our social fabric is swiftly crumbling under corruption, nepotism and dwindling ethical values.

In this contemporary world fraught with happiness and sorrow, ups and downs, work pressure, family stress, the Surya Namashkar yoga can be a blessing in disguise. Bring peace to your mental faculty, improve concentration, and do away with stress practicing and adopting Surya Namashkar in your daily life.