Happy Ratha Sapthami!
February 12, 2019
Ratha Sapthami (Magha Saptami or Magha Jayanti or Surya Jayanti) is a very auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. The Sun god travels north beginning this day of the year and days become longer. This is the birthday of Surya. Surya was born to sage Kashyapa and his wife Adithi. It is very auspicious to worship Sun god with Surya Namaskara on Ratha Sapthami day.
The Sun god travels in the north and south directions in a year. These are called Uttarayanam(the first half of the year) and Dakshinayanam(the second half of the year). The first half of the year is considered most auspicious than the second half of the year.
Many people worship Surya because he is the provider of health and wealth (Aarogya and Aishwarya Datha ). Surya is worshipped early in the morning. It is believed and proven that exposure to fresh sunrays rejuvenate energy, and purify the mind and body. That’s why many Indians do Surya Namaskaras (12 asanas (postures) of prostrating to Surya early morning and/or during sunset. Scientifically also it is recommended that there are many benefits of getting exposed to early morning sun.
Asanas and Mantra:
- Tadasana or Samasthiti – Inhale and exhale—Om Mitraya Namaha
- Namaskarasana – Inhale, Exhale –- Om Raviye Namaha
- Urdva Namaskarasana – Inhale –Om Suryaya Namaha
- Uttanasana –Exhale, Inhale – Om Bhanave Namaha
- Adhomukha Svanasana – Exhale- Om Khagaya Namaha
- Urdvamukha Svanasana – Inhale – Om Pushne Namaha
- Chaturanga Dandasana – Exhale –Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha
- Urdvamukha Svanasana – Inhale – Om Marichaye Namaha
- Adhomukha Svanasana –Exhale, Inhale—Om Adhityaya Namaha
- Uttanasana – Exhale – Om Savitre Namaha
- Urdva Namaskarasana – Inhale – Om Arkaya Namaha
- Namaskarasana- Exhale – Om Bhaskaraya Namaha
This completes one cycle of Surya Namaskara. It can be repeated 3 -12 cycles.
Benefits of practicing Surya Namaskara:
Builds overall strength and stamina in the body, energizes body, mind and spirit. Strengthens back. Balance the metabolism, stimulates and balances reproductive, circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems of the body. Brings balance in the endocrine system. Revitalizes the eye sight, increase mental Sharpness and clarity
Surya Namaskara is not recommended for people with following medical conditions: coronary artery diseases, heart problems and hernia. People with
back and shoulder conditions should consult a physician before practicing Surya Namaskara. Practice of Surya Namaskara should be avoided during menstruation and pregnancy.
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