1) Is this program restricted to only Shakha/Balagokulam participants?

No. Though shakhas and balagokulams are the primary co-ordination points. If you are a individual and would like to participate, please fill in a registration request and we will assign you a co-ordinator to facilitate your effort. If you are a group or organization interested, please assign a co-ordinator for this program and write to us and we will provide all necessary support and material.

2) What is Surya Namaskar ?

One Suyranamaskar is a sequence of 10 simple asanas (Yoga postures) performed gracefully. Suryanamaskar is Sun salutation traditionally performed at dawn facing the rising Sun. Its root can be found in yoga philosophy of Vedic traditions. The approach helps to develop at all five personality levels namely physical, prana, mental, intellectual, and spiritual. This helps individuals to lead a very healthy lifestyle with eternal bliss.

3) What is Yajna?

Yajna generally means sacrifice or service. The meanings of yajna are vast and varied. Yajna can also refer literally to the havan/fire ceremony, where we sit around a fire, placing offerings into the flames. Yajna is normally performed with the objective of ushering in prosperity. HSS is starting the Suryanamaskar yagna with the objective to inculcate the yoga practice in our daily life.

4) Why Surya Namaskar Yajna ?

Our goal is to promote physical and mental well-being by means of Surya namaskar – a basic sequencs of yogic postures.

Simple asanas (postures) for physical development
Mental, intellectual and spiritual development
Inculcate the Yoga practice in our daily life
Lead a healthy lifestyle with
Eternal bliss

5)How to do Surya Namaska ?

Various schools of thought do Surya namaskar with slight variations. There are more than 40 forms of Surya Namaskar. This site presents easy to follow instructions and videos on how to do Surya namaskas. Use the flyer or poster to print instructions to be used during practice

6) When do we practice Surya Namaskar?

The best time to practice Suryanamaskar is early in the morning on an empty stomach during Sun rise. You may or may not see the sun based on the location of your practice.

7) How many positions are there in Surya Namaskar?

The Suryanamaskar is done in more than 40 different styles all over the world.
There are set of well balanced movements that will stretch all the muscles in the body.
HSS has devised a 10 steps Suryanamaskar that is simple to follow.

8.) Who should not practice Surya Namaskar?

Pregnant women should not practice after first 3 months.
People with high blood pressure or heart disease should consult physicians.
People with back pain should consult physician.

9) How to join the Suryanamaskar Yagna?

Please visit Shaka/Balagokulam near you or visit http://hssus.org/sny
Practice Suryanamaskar everyday during the Yagna period.
Keep the count on the Individual/Family tracking sheet.
Once a week submit it to local Shakha/Balagokulam coordinator.

Continue to do it even after the yagna. Do it for life!

10) What is Makra Sankranti?

Makara — (Zodiac Sign Capricorn) – Sankranti (Change/transition or sankramaNa)

Makara Sankaranti usually falls in January. The exact date can vary as it is based on the lunar calender. It is a day of great significance and marks the beginning of the Sun entering in the Makara raasi (the zodiac sign of Capricorn – the goat), on Sankranti day. This signifying the onset of “Uttarayana”. Uttarayana marks the end of a long winter with the return of the sun to the Northern Hemisphere and hence the name Uttarayana (uttara – North).

11) What is Ratha Saptami?

Ratha Sapthami is the seventh day after the new moon (Amavasya) in the month of the Thai (mid January – mid February). Again the exact date varies as it is based on the lunar calender.

Ratha Saptami is also known as Surya Jayanti, the appearance day of the Surya, the Sun god.
Mythologically, it is said to be Sun god’s birthday. It is celebrated in number of Hindu temples everywhere.

12) Which day is celebrated as Global Suryanamaskar day?

Kreeda Bharathi in India celebrates the Ratha Saptami day as “Global Suryanamaskar day”.

13) What is the meaning of Suryanamaskar starting sloka?

Always worship the Sun [ Our Energy Source ] sitting at the centre of galaxy, on lotus, wearing Keyur, Makarkundal Crown, holding Conch and Chakra and having glittering golden body.

14) What is meaning of the Suryanamaskar ending sloka?

Those who regularly perform Suryanamaskaras attain healthy long life. They become strong, knowledgeable and have courage to fight with valour. They posses brightened personality.

15) Why did the spelling change?

Spelling Sanskrit words in English has many school of thoughts. There are many variations like Yajna, Yagna, Yadnya, Yagya etc.

16) What are the benefits of Surya Namaskar ?

Surya Namaskar in a set of ten yoga postures provides good exercise to the whole body, calms the mind, and sharpens the intellect.

ü  Surya namaskar energizes the entire neuroglandular and neuromuscular system of the body and its regular practice ensures a balanced supply of oxygenated blood and perfect harmony to all the systems of the body thus involves the entire psychosomatic system of human constitution.

ü  Surya-namaskar is a complete exercise

o to all the muscles and joints of the body.

ü  Tones all the muscles

o of the body and reduces fat

o thereby helping to control obesity and metabolism of the body..

ü  It strengthens the spine and abdominal muscle to control nervous system and activity of the internal organs.

ü  Expands the rib-caze, increases the capacity of lungs making the breath smooth and easy.

ü  Activates the glands and regulates the hormone.

ü  Encourage the lymph drainage thereby increasing the immunity and resistance of the body.

ü  It increases the circulation of whole body thereby acting as an excellent cardiac workout to enhance the blood circulation and warming up the body.

ü  It increases concentration, memory, learning and focusing ability and vigilance.

ü  It is relaxing and rejuvenating, and tension, stress and anxiety melt away as you perform Surya Namaskar.

ü  Surya Namaskar practice stimulates and conditions virtually every system in the body. It is good for the heart and stimulates the cardiovascular system. It oxygenates the blood and helps strengthen the heart. Surya Namaskar is good for the digestive system and the nervous system. It stimulates the lymphatic system and supports respiratory system health, as well.

ü  Surya Namaskar is an excellent alternative to caffeine and other stimulants. If you suffer from insomnia or sleep disturbances, you will find practicing Surya Namaskar aids in helping you fall asleep without the need for depressants.