Surya Namaskar is a powerful technique that makes one more mindful. With regular practice it increases awareness, forms deeper connections with the body, mind, and breath.
Surya Namaskar contains eight asanas woven into a sequence of 12 steps. Two rounds of 12 steps complete one set of Surya Namaskar.
The second season of the Surya Namaskar competition was organized by Mrityunjay Yoga at Subhash Stadium branch on 28th of November at 6:30 am. The competition was open to all. Every student and teacher of the institute participated with equal zeal and enthusiasm. The competition was conducted by Manju Jha, founder, director of Mrityunjay Yoga.
The event was conducted in an open space under the sun. Morning sun rays are beneficial for the body and thus performing Surya Namaskar under the morning sun helps channelize the sun’s energy.
There was no age limit, more than 50 students from 14 years old to 55 years old participated in the competition. The whole event lasted for one and a half hours. 108 sets of Surya Namaskar were performed, which consists of 216 rounds.
The second season was different as the students were divided into five teams which made the competition even more exciting and competitive.
The five groups were Adi, Anant, Bhole, Mahakal and Shankara.
Although the competition was healthy and friendly, each student showed their best competitive side not giving up and pushing their limit until they have achieved their target.
Not everyone was able to complete 108 sets but the lowest set of Surya Namaskar performed was 35 which is remarkable in itself.
The Bhole group came first with the maximum number of students performing 108 sets from their team. The second was Shankara, the third was Adi, and Shankara and Mahakal were fourth with equal points.
Among the students, Pramila and Mita Ahuja both emerged as winners for performing continuous 108 sets of Surya Namaskar. They deserve special mention as they both are fifty plus women who competed with kids and youngsters and still scored more points than everyone else.
In Hindu mythology, the sun holds great importance, he is worshipped as a deity, as a symbol of energy and health. The Rig Veda declares that “Surya is the Soul, both of the moving and unmoving beings”. Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation is a sequence of powerful yoga poses that originated as a series of salutations to the sun.
Sun is the source of energy for the whole universe, performing Surya Namaskar daily not only keeps the body healthy but also helps channelize the body’s energy in a positive way.
