20-06-2016: Asvasanchalanasana Surya Namaskar A commemorative postage stamp

The Sanskrit name Surya refers to the sun and Namaskar means ‘salutation’. In Yoga, the sun is represented by Pingala or Surya Nadi, the Pranic channel which carries the vital, life-giving force. Namaskar is an effective way of loosening up, stretching, massaging and toning all the joints, muscles and internal organs of the body. Asvasanchalanasana(equestrian pose) Place the palms of the hands flat on the floor beside the feet. Stretch the right leg back as far as possible. At the same time, bend the left knee, keeping the left foot on the floor in the same position. Keep the arms straight.In the final position, the weight of the body should be supported on the hands, the left foot, right knee and toes of the right foot. The head should be titled backward, the back arched and the inner gaze directed upward to the eyebrow centre. The awareness may be kept on the stretch from the thigh to the chest or on the eyebrow centre. The Department of Posts is pleased to release a set of twelve Commemorative postage stamps depicting different asanas of “Surya Namaskar” on the occasion of International Yoga Day, on 20.06.2016.