On the occasion of Swami Vivekanand’s birthday, when Madhya Pradesh Government planned to enter the Guinness Book of Records for the maximum number of children performing Surya Namaskaar together, it didn’t go well with some religious bodies. Calling the move anti-Islamic, a fatwa was issued by three Muslim clerics claiming that the ancient Yoga regimen encourages idol worship and promotes Hinduism. Even certain Christian groups have followed suit and termed it as ’saffronisation of schools’.
While the debate still continues, several Yoga experts across the world have expressed resentment on Facebook, Twitter and other mediums over the politics being played over ‘Surya Namaskaar’. A form of exercise practiced and accepted the world over as a complete workout. We at The Punekar asked city based yoga practitioners about their views on this subject along with benefits of this practice and this is what they had to say:-
Manish Pole
Manish Pole, director of Total Yoga located in Pune and Singapore opines,” The fatwa on practicing Surya Namaskaar issued by three Islamic scholars is really uncalled for. While Madhya Pradesh was trying to break the Guinness World Record; they used Surya Namaskaar instead of an Aerobic activity. In a modern world; to say Surya Namaskaar is a Hindu practice is to say that Yoga is Hindu! While millions of people around the world from all nationalities and religions are reaping the benefits of practicing Yoga; without the need to change their religious views- it is sad that in India, the torch-bearer of yoga, these scholars are trying to ignite a controversy by seeking to prohibit large sections of mankind from benefiting from the health aspects of practicing yoga.
When it comes to its benefits he adds, “Surya Namaskaar has a positive effect on the cardio-vascular ability thereby increasing stamina, flexibility and muscle strength. In fact, it is one of the most beneficial single exercises that we have today!”
Khushmita Sanghvi
Laughter yoga therapist and power yoga teacher at Urban Ashram, Mukundnagar, Khushmita Sanghvi says, “If Surya Namaskaar is a Hindu practice, does the sun shine only on the Hindus? Yoga is neither Hindu nor Muslim; it is a universal concept of uniting with one’s higher self. When we perform Surya Namaskaar we acknowledge the sun with gratitude for providing life and energy to the planet unconditionally. It does not discriminate on the basis of caste and religion. The sun shines equally on all of mankind.”
Throwing light on the benefits she says,” Surya Namaskaar is the healthiest exercise to start one’s day with; it improves one’s respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems. It provides the body with heat and energy and when started at a young age it gives benefits at multiple levels. Encouraging the practice in schools will only give mental, emotional and physical benefits to the children. Associating this practice with a religion is simply a fragment of narrow minded imaginations.”
Vikram Singh Tomar
Power yoga trainer at Abs Fitness and Wellness Clubs at Pune, Mumbai and Raipur, Vikram Singh Tomar is of a slightly different opinion. He says, “Surya Namaskaar to a certain extent can be termed as idol worship. There are actually some principles to be followed if one is performing a Surya Namaskaar. You are supposed to take a bath and pray to sun before beginning the exercise. However, most importantly it is a form of exercise primarily and must be performed just like any other exercise for health benefits! No one should be forced for worshiping any God against his will. “
