Introduction:

“The longest journey of any individual is the journey inwards”. Yoga wants people to focus on their inner awareness. Surya Namaskar is a series of twelve yoga asanas performed in a dynamic and breath-synchronized manner. Form, energy and rhythm are the three main components of Surya Namaskar. In addition, the twelve asanas are believed to give rise to “Prana”, the subtle force that stimulates the body. When performed in a sequential, steady and rhythmic manner in synchronization with the circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle), the rhythm of the cosmos is reflected in these asanas.¹ One such asana in the Surya Namaskar series is Pranam asana, also known as the praying pose. Let us look at some exciting features and benefits beyond the mat of the praying pose.  

What is Pranam Asana?

Pranam asana, also called the praying pose, is the entering/starting pose of Surya namaskar (Sun salutation). The name has roots in the Sanskrit word “Pranama” (pay respect) and “asana” (posture/pose). It is also called the praying pose because, in this asana, hands are held together in “Anjali mudra” or namaskar. This asana, which is part of the Surya namaskar series, was propagated by the King of Aundh, Late Shri. Balasaheb Pant (1920s) and later by Shri Krishnamacharya and Sri K V Iyer.² 

How To Do It?

Following are the steps to perform Pranam asana correctly to avail of maximum benefits: 

• Stand firmly with feet held together, and the feet should be aligned symmetrically.  
• Look straight ahead and broaden your shoulders. 
• Press and place your palms together in Anjali mudra (namaskar posture) close to Anahata chakra (heart’s centre). The Namaskar posture or Anjali mudra is offering homage to the sun (source of life). 
• Slightly bow down your head, close your eyes and focus on your breathing.  
• Repeat this asana during the first and last step of Surya Namaskar.² 

Do You Know?

• Pranam asana is done at the beginning and the end of Surya namaskar, i.e., the first and twelfth steps. 
• While performing the Surya namaskar series, the practitioner chants the names of Surya. “Beeja mantras”, alternatives of the twelve names, do not have any meaning as such but are known to yield energy to the mind and body. 
• Beeja mantra recited during Pranam asana is: “Om Mitraya Namah”, which means salutation to the friend.³ 

Benefits of Pranam Asana:

This classic namaskar asana pose is known to provide several benefits to the mind and body, which are described as under: 

1. Benefit of Pranam asana for improving postural alignment 

Kawaljeet et al. conducted a study in 2010 to assess the effect of a six-week consistent Surya namaskar practice for female students in the age group of 17-25 years. A significant improvement was seen in the flexibility, muscular endurance and posture of these participants. Yoga postures like Pranam asana may help improve postural alignment when practised as a part of Surya Namaskar.4 However, please do not rely on Pranam asana alone in case of any suspected postural issues. So, kindly see a doctor for proper treatment. It is best to practice this under the guidance of a trainer. 

2. Benefit of Pranam asana for obesity 

Subhash et al. conducted a study in 2018 on 60 obese individuals to assess the effect of Surya Namaskar on obesity. Six weeks of regular Surya Namaskar practices showed a significant reduction in Body Mass Index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Findings supported that Pranam asana can have a positive impact on obesity when practised as part of the Surya Namaskar series.⁵ However, you should not rely on Pranam asana alone. You must consult your doctor for proper treatment of obesity. Additionally, it is advised to practice this asana under the supervision of a qualified trainer.  

3. Benefit of Pranam asana on muscular system 

Mullerpatan et al. conducted a study in 2013 to assess muscle activity while performing the 12 poses of Surya Namaskar. Results found that different asanas cause the activation of several muscles of the upper and lower body. The Prayer pose, when performed with other poses of Surya namaskar causes activation of many muscles of the body.6 However, in case of any MSD (muscular system disorder) it is recommended to consult a physician for proper treatment and do not rely on Pranam asana alone. In addition, it is advised to perform this yoga under the guidance of a qualified trainer. 

4. Benefit of Pranam asana on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 

Dr. C.A. Kayelarasi et al. in 2019 conducted a study to assess the effect of yogasanas like Pranam asana on fat content in 40 subjects with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is the accumulation of fat in the liver. The findings from abdominal sonography revealed decreased fat and restoration of liver function, which could be attributed to Pranam asana performed along with other postures of Surya Namaskar.⁷ However, Pranam asana alone should not be considered a substitute for modern medicine. Consult a doctor if you have any hepatic (liver) disease, and perform this asana only under the guidance of a qualified yoga trainer.  

Other Benefits of Pranam asana: 

• It helps in bringing all the body systems in balance with each other. 
• It helps in reducing anxiety and stress. 
• It helps revitalize the mind and body. 
• It improves the thinking power and breathing process. 
• Folding your hands near the spiritual centre of the body i.e., Anahata chakra (Heart’s centre) is believed to open up the heart and help in spiritual healing.  

Yoga practice may help develop the mind and body; however, it is still not an alternative to modern medicine. Therefore, you must not rely on Yoga alone to treat any condition. Instead, please consult a qualified doctor who will be able to assess your condition correctly and advise accordingly. Moreover, it is necessary to practice and learn Yoga under the supervision of a trained yoga teacher to avoid any injuries. 

According to what I’ve observed, Pranam Asana may offer several benefits. One of its primary advantages is that it might help establish a state of concentration and calmness. By assuming this pose, you may prepare your mind and body for your busy day ahead.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Risks of Pranam Asana

The general risks associated with the prayer pose include: 

• People with hernia must not practise this posture without a professional opinion. 
• Those diagnosed with tuberculosis and being treated for the same should avoid it. 
• Slip disc or sciatica as bowing down during the asana can result in discomfort. 
• Patients with high blood pressure and other cardiac diseases should take a doctor’s opinion prior to doing it.² 

Note- It is always recommended to perform the asanas under the guidance of a qualified and experienced teacher. Please consult a doctor or yoga specialist while performing the asanas in the above-listed conditions. 

As far as my knowledge goes, the immune system plays a crucial role in defending the body against disease-causing agents. One interesting observation is that when the Pranam Asana is combined with other steps of Suryanamaskar, it may potentially enhance the efficiency of the immune system. This may contribute to better immunity supporting your ability to protect against infections and illnesses.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Conclusion

Pranam asana, also called the praying or prayer pose, is one out of the twelve asanas of Surya Namaskar (sun salutation). The name has roots in the Sanskrit word “Pranama” (pay respect) and “asana” (posture/pose). This asana pays homage to the Sun, the source of all life forms.  

This is the entering position of Surya Namaskar, which is entered in a standing position, standing firmly on the ground. Bring the hands close to the Anahata chakra (heart’s centre). The mantra enchanted during this asana is the “Om Mitray Namaha”. The praying pose helps in improving posture, helps prevent diabetes and obesity, helps to reduce anxiety and stress and revitalizes the mind and body.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1] Dr. Ravi Kumar: SURYANAMASKAR AND ITS THERAPEUTIC IMPORTANCE IN TODAY’S SCENARIO, World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Volume 11, Issue 2, 309-317.  Available at: https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/6c5fc2ff9a1d307c615094992dae06e3.pdf

2] Satyananda Saraswati. Asana, pranayama, mudra bandha. Yoga Publications Trust, 2013. Available at:  https://thelonerider.com/pdf/asana_pranayama_mudra_bandha.pdf 

4] Kanwaljeet Singh, Baljinder Singh Bal, W. V. The Effect Of SN Yogasana On Muscular Endurance And Flexibility Among Intercollege Yoginis. J. Phys. Educ. Sport, 2010; 27: 61–67. Available at: https://efsupit.ro/images/stories/imgs/JPES/2010/2/read%20journal%20no2.pdf 

 5] Subhash et al. Effect of Surya Namaskar on obesity of affected individuals. International Journal of Creative research thoughts.Vol 6, Issue 1.2018 .Available at: https://www.ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT1803130.pdf

6] Mullerpatan RP, Agarwal BM, Shetty TV. Exploration of Muscle Activity Using Surface Electromyography While Performing Surya Namaskar. Int J Yoga. 2020 May-Aug;13(2):137-143. doi: 10.4103/ijoy.IJOY_72_19. Epub 2020 May 1. PMID: 32669768; PMCID: PMC7336940. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7336940/ 

7] Dr.C.A.Kayelarasi. Efficacy of Surya Namaskar on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Patients – A Interventional Study. (The Tamil Nadu Dr. M. G. R. Medical University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 2019.Available at: http://repository-tnmgrmu.ac.in/10719/7/460215919kayelarasi.pdf 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

1

1