20-06-2016: Pranamasana 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. Pranamasana(prayers pose) stand with the feet together or slightly apart and the arms hanging loosely by the side of the body. Close the eyes gently and become aware of the whole physical body as one homegeneous unit. In this position the body may sway from side to side or backward and forward. Try to minimize this oscillation and balance the body weight equally on both feet. Slowly bend the elbows and place the palms together in front of the chest in Namaskar Mudra, mentally offering homage to the sun, the source of all life. The awareness may be kept on the chest area. 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.