Malaika Arora Performs Complete Surya Namaskar Sequence, Labels It as a Mobile Prayer
Surya Namaskar, often referred to as the Sun Salutation, is a 12-step yoga practice that transcends the realm of physical exercise, serving as a sacred, meditative ritual for many practitioners. Malaika Arora, a renowned yoga enthusiast, exemplifies this spiritual dimension in her practice, viewing Surya Namaskar as more than just a workout but a "sacred mantra."
This ancient sequence, rooted in tradition, fosters inner peace, mindfulness, and a deep connection between body, mind, and spirit. Malaika emphasizes the cyclical flow of movements coordinated with breath as a means of cultivating discipline, perseverance, mental calm, and personal growth.
The 12-Step Sequence of Surya Namaskar
- Pranamasana (Prayer Pose) - Grounding the presence, this pose initiates the sequence with a prayer and sets the intention.
- Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose) - Stretching arms upward, opening the chest to sunlight.
- Hasta Padasana (Hand to Foot Pose) - Forward bend reaching toward the feet, symbolizing surrender.
- Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose) - One leg stretched back, deep lunge, opening hips and spine.
- Dandasana (Plank Pose) - Straight body line supporting weight, embodying strength and balance.
- Ashtanga Namaskara (Eight Points Pose) - Lowering knees, chest, and chin to the floor, demonstrating humility.
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) - Arching back gently, opening the heart space.
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog Pose) - Inverted V-shape stretch, relieving tension.
- Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose) - Repeat step 4 on the opposite leg.
- Hasta Padasana (Hand to Foot Pose) - Repeat step 3.
- Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose) - Repeat step 2.
- Pranamasana (Prayer Pose) - Return to original prayer stance completing the cycle.
In Padahastasana, the left foot is stepped forward to meet the right, and the sequence returns to the third pose. This sequence coordinates breath with movement, promoting flexibility, physical strength, and cardiovascular health, while also serving as a moving meditation that cleanses nerve centers (chakras) and cultivates mindfulness and mental clarity.
The Spiritual Significance of Each Pose
Each step of Surya Namaskar is accompanied by a mantra, deepening the spiritual connection:
- Pranamasana (Prayer Pose): Om Bhaskaraya Namaha
- Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose): Om Arkaya Namaha
- Padahastasana (Hand to Foot Pose): Om Savitre Namaha
- Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose): Om Adityaya Namaha
- Dandasana (Plank Pose): Not associated with a specific mantra in the traditional sequence
- Ashtanga Namaskara (Eight Points Pose): Om Pusne Namaha
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Om Hiranyagarbhaya Namaha
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog Pose): Not associated with a specific mantra in the traditional sequence
- Parvatasana (Mountain Pose): Om Maricaye Namaha
Surya Namaskar, a sun greeting or sun salutation, combines physical benefits like flexibility, strength, and respiratory health with spiritual benefits including inner peace, mindfulness, and disciplined perseverance. This holistic approach aligns well with Malaika Arora’s practice and demonstration of the 12-step sequence.
Engaging in the 12-step sequence of Surya Namaskar not only improves physical strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, but it also purifies the nerve centers (chakras) and cultivates mindfulness and mental clarity, rooting it deep within the realm of health-and-wellness and lifestyle practices. Malaika Arora, a celebrated yoga practitioner, expresses that her spiritual connection to this ancient sequence transcends fitness-and-exercise, embracing fashion-and-beauty choices that align with her holistic approach to well-being.
