Surya Namaskar day is a day to express
gratitude to the sun and is observed on Rathsaptami i.e. seventh day (saptami) in
the bright half (shukla paksha) of the Hindu month ‘Magha’.
It is customary to perform Surya Puja
(worship of sun) on this day.
Haldi-kunku, which starts on the
occasion of Makar Sankranti, ends on this day.
Both religious and scientific reasons
are given for celebrating Rathsaptami. It is also called Arogya Saptami.
Sun God is known as the most brilliant,
powerful, intelligent and omniscient. He is the creator and controller of the
world.
To seek His blessings, after sunrise in
the morning, Surya Namaskar is performed in an open space on empty stomach, in
controlled breathing, with proper postures and chanting shlokas.
This improves our physical health and
sharpens memory. This exercise not only gives you a great workout but also
gives you spiritual, mental and physical strength.
This ritual is also called Surya
upasana.
The mantras of Surya namaskar are
related to the chakras in the body.
