As I write this article, the world witnesses a staggering number of over 400 million devotees and believers visiting the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, India (the confluence of the three major rivers viz Ganga, Jamuna and Saraswati) over a period of 45 days, from the 13th of January 2025 until the 26 of February, 2025. This is where the Maha Kumbh, or the Poorna Kumbh, is held every 12 years.
In fact, the Maha Kumbh this year is astoundingly momentous, as it’s occurring at a time of rare alignment of celestial bodies an event that occurs only once every 144 years. In this rare occurrence, the Moon, Sun, and seven of the plants align. This makes it a magical setting for Sun worship and performance of the Surya Namaskar an opportunity to soak in this dynamic energy and and reap the Sun Salutation Benefits, in this highly charged spiritual environment.
The Mythological Origins of the Kumbh Mela
Interestingly, the Sanskrit word Kumbh means pitcher or pot. The story of Kumb goes like this when the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) churned the ocean during Samudra Manthan, Dhanvantari emerged carrying a pitcher of Amrit, which is known as the elixir of immortality in the Vedas. To ensure that the Asuras did not get this boon of immortality, Jayant, Indra’s son ran off with the pot. Along with him, the Sun, his son Shani (Saturn), the Moon, and Brihaspati (Jupiter) also ran to protect him and the pitcher.
During the escapades of Jayant, the Amrit was spilled at 4 spots: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. The mighty god ran for 12 days, and as one day of the Devas is equal to one year of humans, Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these locations every 12 years, depending on the relative positions of the Sun, the Moon and Jupiter.
The Relation with Surya Namaskar
Maha Kumbh is without doubt, one of the world’s largest spiritual gatherings, and it has always been a place where ancient traditions resurface with renewed vigour; and Surya Namaskar is one of these old traditions. The resurgence of the ancient yogic practice of Surya Namaskar on the sacred river bank with the rising Sun, a tradition that dates back to over 2,500 years, is splendid to observe during this Maha Kumbh of 2025.
Many consider Surya Namaskar to merely be a sequence of 12 yoga postures. Few realize that it was originally a sacred ritual performed at sunrise to soak in the power of the Sun god, Surya. Ancient texts like the Rigveda and the Yajurveda talk about Sun salutations not just as a physical exercise, but as a way of absorbing solar energy, improving vitality and balancing the body’s circadian rhythm.
Modern science continually seems to be discovering great truths, but much after they have already been revealed by spiritual studies. Scientists confirm that early morning sunlight stimulates serotonin production, improving mood and mental clarity.
Surya Namaskar for the Warriors
Interestingly, historical accounts reveal that Surya Namaskar was once exclusive to the Kshatriya (warrior) class, who performed it to maintain flexibility, strength and endurance for battle. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that yoga master Raja Bhavanrao Pant Pratinidhi of Aundh introduced it to the masses as an accessible daily practice. At Maha Kumbh 2025, yogis revive this warrior spirit, gathering before sunrise to perform synchronized Surya Namaskar Sessions on the banks of the Ganges and common people join in, in the spirit of cosmic alignment.
Final Thought
A compelling benefit of the Surya Namaskar is that it has a profound impact on the endocrine system. The rhythmic flow of changing postures massages the adrenal glands, regulates cortisol levels, and boosts metabolism. According to research, regular practice can even improve insulin sensitivity, which can then in turn reduce the risk of diabetes, a condition that has surged in modern sedentary lifestyles.
To Learn Surya Namaskar Online with proper guidance, join a session at Yoga with Sapna . Let’s channel the dynamic and positive energy of the Sun into our bodies as the celestial bodies align up in the sky during the Maha Kumbh this month, this year.
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