A mantra is not just a sequence of words but a meaningful and purposeful assembly of sounds!

Do you know what the Gayatri Mantra is? If not, no worries! Rishikul Yogshala has prepared a complete guide to help you know everything about “Gayatri Mahamantra.” In this blog, you will explore Gayatri Mantra Meaning, Gayatri Mantra Benefits, and its spiritual power.

Gayatri Mantra Origin 

The Gayatri Mantra finds its origin in the Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, believed to have been composed over 3,000 years ago. The mantra is dedicated to Goddess Gayatri, the personification of the divine and universal mother. 

Significance Of Gayatri MahaMantra

The Gayatri Mantra is a profound devotion to the Supreme Cosmic Being, referred to as Savitur, who represents the life-giving sun and the dispeller of darkness. The mantra’s practice invokes the inner light, the spiritual sun within, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination of the soul. Chanting this mantra is believed to bring divine blessings, intellect, and enlightenment. It is a prayer to the universal consciousness to guide one’s mind and illuminate the path of righteousness and truth.

Gayatri Mantra Meaning

The Gayatri Mantra is a verse composed of 24 syllables, each with its unique significance. The mantra is chanted during various occasions, including pooja ceremonies, religious rituals, and meditation practices.

Let’s understand the Gayatri Mantra Lyrics with their meaning:

“Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha

Tat Savitur Varenyam

Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi

Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat.“

Gayatri Mantra in hindi:

(१) ॐ

(२) भूर्भव: स्व:

(३) तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो न: प्रचोदयात्।

Om” (ॐ): The mantra begins with the heavenly sound “Om,” representing the unlimited, all-encompassing, and unchanging reality. It signifies the ultimate truth and the oneness of all existence.

“Bhur Bhuvah Swaha” (भूर्भुवःस्वः): Subsequently, the text delves into the foundation of the Gayatri Mantra and are an essential part of all Vedic mantras. They represent the physical, mental, and spiritual realms. “Bhur” signifies the physical realm, “Bhuvah” the mental, and “Swaha” the spiritual. Together, they encompass the entirety of existence.

“Tat Savitur Varenyam” (तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं): Tat Savitur Varenyam is an invocation to the divine light, Savitur, symbolizing the sun. It seeks the blessings of the illuminating and enlightening aspect of the Divine.

“Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi” (भर्गोदेवस्यधीमहि): This section encourages meditation upon the divine light, aiming its guidance and wisdom.

“Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat” (धियोयोनःप्रचोदयात्): The mantra concludes by asking for the enlightenment of our mind and consciousness.

Benefits Of Gayatri Mahamantra (गायत्री मंत्र)

The Gayatri Mantra is filled with spiritual power that can bring about profound changes in one’s life. It serves as a bridge between the individual soul and the universal consciousness. The regular recitation of Gayatri Mantra can lead to the following benefits:

1. Spiritual Awakening: The Gayatri Mahamantra is a beacon of spiritual enlightenment. Chanting it with devotion can awaken the inner divine consciousness, leading to a deeper understanding of one’s true self and the ultimate truth.
2. Academic Brilliance: This mantra is believed to enhance one’s intellectual abilities, promoting clarity of thought, wisdom, and the pursuit of knowledge.
3. Moral Transformation: Regular Gayatri Mantra recitation inspires individuals to cultivate righteous qualities and lead a life guided by truth, morality, and ethical principles.
4. Protection and Guidance: The Gayatri Mahamantra is considered a protective shield against negative energies. It offers guidance on the path of righteousness and serves as a source of spiritual protection.
5. Emotional Balance: Chanting this mantra can help individuals achieve emotional equilibrium, reducing stress and anxiety and fostering inner peace and serenity.
6. Cultivating Inner Light: It invokes the inner light, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination of the soul. This inner radiance guides one towards spiritual wisdom and truth.
7. Enhancing Focus: Chanting the mantra enhances concentration and mental clarity, facilitating better decision-making and cognitive performance.
8. Promoting a Balanced Life: It harmonizes the body’s energy centers, promoting overall balance in one’s physical, mental, and spiritual aspects.
9. Personal Transformation: Regular practice can lead to a transformation of character, promoting a virtuous and ethical way of living.
10. Accessing Universal Wisdom: The Gayatri Mahamantra opens the doorway to universal wisdom and spiritual insight, deepening one’s connection with the divine.

Conclusion

The Gayatri Mantra (गायत्री मंत्र), with its rich history and profound spiritual significance, stands as a pillar of divine wisdom and inner illumination in Hinduism. Chanting this sacred mantra has the potential to transform the seeker’s mind, instill wisdom, and guide one on the path of righteousness. As you immerse yourself in the powerful vibrations of the Gayatri Mantra, you can experience a deeper connection with the universal consciousness and unlock the spiritual power that resides within.

If you want to deepen your knowledge of Mantra and Meditation and feel their effects, our Meditation Teacher Training in Kerala is for you! 

Get in touch via:

Phone: +91-8433225327

Email: info@rishikulyogshala.org

Yoga is one of the most effective ways to boost immunity. Especially the monsoon season gets with it a slew of infections and diseases. To counteract this, you must improve the functioning of your immune system. On the other hand, many people are unaware that practicing yoga for immunity is very helpful. So to experience the benefits of yoga, roll out your yoga mat and practice pranayama, meditation, and yoga to boost immunity.

In this blog, Rishikul Yogashala has listed some yoga poses that will provide you with the added benefit of increased immunity. These yoga poses to boost immunity include breathing exercises and stretching the body, which improves blood circulation and stimulates overall body functions. So, let us begin the journey of improving the immune system through yoga.

5 Best Yoga Poses To Boost Immunity

Yoga is a “movement linked with breath.” Therefore, we can significantly strengthen our body’s ability to fight illness by incorporating yoga into our routines. Here are a few of the most effective poses in yoga for immunity that will not only increase your immunity but also de-stress the nervous system and help calm the mind while supporting the body in fighting illness.

1. Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana)

This pose is highly beneficial to the nervous system and is excellent for dealing with anxiety and depression. It’s a restorative yin posture, which means it doesn’t require much from the body, and it’s excellent to do in the morning because it energizes and calms the mind. In addition, sphinx massages the lower abdomen and helps relieve stomach pain.

Tips for your practice: 

Begin by lying on your stomach and lifting your shoulders. Next, extend your hands forward, elbows bent, and relax your glutes while lifting your neck. Allow your body to settle into this restorative pose, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.

2. Revolved Chair Pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana)

Twisted postures in yoga are beneficial to the body’s overall health. The revolving chair pose, in particular, provides a deeper “ringing out” of the kidneys and digestive organs, resulting in internal detoxification. This posture is also very grounding and good for deepening your breath.

Tips for your practice: 

Find grounded stillness in the legs and allow the breath to anchor this posture. Use the elbows against the thighs to deepen the twist and release with breath as you raise your arms in prayer.

3. Standing Backbend (Anuvittasana)

Backbends are particularly detoxifying for the adrenal glands, which can become overworked due to stress. A standing backbend is a modified Camel pose that is especially beneficial for opening up the respiratory system. Use a standing backbend during the cold season to strengthen the lungs and keep the nasal passage open for breathing.

Tips for your practice: 

Standing in the mountain pose first, use your core to lift your upper body upright and back. Next, place your hands directly above your glutes on your lower back. Inhale deeply and allow your body to lift and extend backward. Hold a few deep breaths, then slowly come up, as backbends can cause dizziness.

4. Eagle Pose (Garudasana) 

By squeezing pressure points, this balancing pose helps stimulate fresh blood flow throughout the body, giving the body a jolt of immunity-boosting fluid. In addition, the squeezing motion in the legs and arms promotes circulation and the release of toxins.

Tips for your practice: 

Breathing is essential for keeping the body grounded and still because this is a balancing posture that requires standing. In addition, this increased breathing stimulates circulation throughout the body and mind, assisting in the release of tension and inactive energy.

5. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) 

Physically, this pose strengthens the legs and core, but it also helps open the hips and relieve shoulder tension. Because this pose is considered therapeutic, there is some general release within the body. The triangle pose also helps to breathe by stretching the fascia around the lungs. Because it is an opening posture, it is ideal for those with hip tension. The Triangle pose allows for a deep opening and release of energy.

Tips for your practice: 

Exhale as you move your leading hand towards the front of your mat, keeping your front knee bent. As you roll your ribs open, be gentle on them and work to equalize the feeling of length in your torso.

The Final Word

Yoga can be one of our most powerful tools for building a robust immune system and keeping our body’s systems functioning optimally to avoid illness (or help us recover quicker). We can support, nourish, strengthen, and build our health, immunity, energy, and overall quality of life by cultivating balance in our bodies and their systems. These simple yoga poses to boost immunity are great things to start!

If you’re seeking yoga classes to boost your immunity, Rishikul Yogashala is here to support you with a range of vital and advantageous yoga poses. Our expert instructors can guide you through a variety of immune-boosting asanas that promote overall well-being. Additionally, you have the option to join our immersive yoga teacher training programs in Bali, such as the 200-Hour Yoga TTC Bali or 500-Hour Yoga TTC Bali. These comprehensive training courses not only deepen your understanding of yoga but also provide tools to enhance your mental health and focus. 

So what’s stopping you from joining our yoga teacher training courses in Bali that will improve your immunity as well as overall health? Contact us at +62 812-3814-775 or email your query to info@rishikulyogshala.org to embark on the journey of yoga!

Yoga and running can form a cooperative partnership, complementing each other in your fitness journey. While running focuses on repetitive movements, yoga emphasizes the importance of expanding your range of motion. So, when yoga and running are practiced together, they create a holistic approach to fitness that can benefit you in several ways.

At Rishikul Yogashala, we understand the unique needs of runners and the transformative power of yoga. We have compiled a list of the best yoga poses for runners that will enhance your running performance. So, let yoga be the yin to your running yang, nurturing your body, soothing your mind, and elevating your running experience to new heights.

Benefits Of Yoga For Runners

Running offers numerous physical and mental benefits but can also take a toll on your body, leading to muscle tightness, imbalances, and even injuries. That’s where yoga comes in. Yoga is the perfect counterpart to your running routine, providing balance and enhancing your overall running performance. So, let’s dive into the benefits of yoga for runners:

1. Increased flexibility and range of motion: Yoga improves flexibility and joint mobility, reducing the risk of muscle tightness and imbalances. When yoga and running are practiced together, it enhances running performance and lowers the chance of injuries.
2. Improved strength and stability: Yoga strengthens major muscle groups and stabilizes muscles, enhancing overall strength and stability. This supports proper running form, reduces the risk of injuries, and promotes better posture.
3. Enhanced breathing and oxygen intake: Yoga incorporates deep breathing techniques that increase lung capacity and oxygen intake. This improves endurance, helps runners breathe efficiently during runs, and regulates energy expenditure.
4. Mental focus and clarity: Yoga cultivates mindfulness and mental focus, aiding runners in staying present and overcoming mental obstacles during runs. The meditative aspects of yoga promote stress reduction and a sense of well-being; hence, yoga and running jointly can positively impact running performance.
5. Injury prevention and faster recovery: Yoga addresses muscular imbalances, promotes body awareness, and reduces the risk of overuse injuries. It also aids in faster recovery by reducing muscle soreness, promoting relaxation, and supporting the body’s healing processes.

10 Best Yoga Poses For Runners

Here is the list of the most effective yoga poses for runners compiled by Rishikul Yogashala, the best yoga school in Kerala.

1. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Downward-Facing Dog is an excellent pose of yoga for runners as it stretches and strengthens multiple muscle groups simultaneously. It stretches the calves, hamstrings, and Achilles tendons, which tend to get tight from running. This pose also opens up the shoulders, chest, and back, improving posture and relieving tension. It helps runners improve their overall flexibility, prevent injuries, and enhance their running performance.

How To Do Downward-Facing Dog Pose:

• Start on your hands and knees.
• Spread your fingers wide and push your palms into the mat.
• Lift your knees off the ground and straighten your legs to form an inverted “V” shape with your body.
• Press your heels toward the ground and lengthen your spine, relaxing your head and neck.
• Hold the pose for several breaths, focusing on deepening your stretch and maintaining stability.

2. Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)

Standing Forward Bend is a rejuvenating pose that targets the hamstrings, calves, and lower back. Runners often experience tightness in these areas, and this pose provides a deep stretch, releasing tension and increasing flexibility. Uttanasana also calms the mind, relieving stress and anxiety. By allowing the head to hang, this pose promotes relaxation and encourages blood flow to the brain, improving mental clarity and focus. Incorporating the Standing Forward Bend into a runner’s routine can help improve stride length, prevent muscle imbalances, and promote a sense of grounding and balance.

How To Do Standing Forward Bend:

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
• Exhale and fold forward from your hips, holding your legs straight.
• Place your hands on the ground or hold onto your elbows.
• Allow your head and neck to relax, and let gravity pull your torso toward your thighs.
• Maintain the pose for a few breaths, feeling the stretch in the back of your legs.

3. Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana)

Low Lunge is a dynamic pose that stretches the hip flexors, quadriceps, and hamstrings. It also engages the core muscles and promotes balance and stability. Runners often have tight hip flexors due to the repetitive motion of running, and a Low Lunge helps to open up these muscles and release tension. This pose also activates the glutes, which are essential for maintaining proper running form and preventing injuries. Performing Low Lunge can help runners improve their hip mobility, prevent muscle imbalances, and enhance their overall running performance.

How To Do Low Lunge:

• Begin in a high plank position.
• Step your right foot forward between your hands, keeping your knee directly above your ankle.
• Place the top of your left foot on the mat and lower your left knee to the ground.
• Engage your core and lift your torso upright, extending your arms overhead.

4. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Bridge Pose is a backbend that supports the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back muscles. It also opens up the chest and shoulders, counteracting the hunched posture that can occur from prolonged running. Regular practice of Bridge Pose can help runners build strength in the posterior chain, enhance their running efficiency, and prevent common running-related injuries.

How To Do Bridge Pose:

• Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart, flat on the ground.
• Press your feet into the mat, engage your glutes, and lift your hips off the ground.
• Place your fingers together beneath you and then gently roll your shoulders backward to expand and open up your chest area.
• Keep your thighs parallel to each other and lengthen your tailbone toward your knees.
• Hold the pose for several breaths, feeling the stretch in your chest, hips, and thighs.

5. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)

Warrior II is a powerful pose that targets the hips, thighs, and shoulders. It builds strength and stability in the lower body while improving overall body awareness. This pose stretches the hip flexors, which can become tight from running, and strengthens the quadriceps and glutes. This pose can help runners improve their stride length, strengthen the muscles supporting the knees, and cultivate mental focus and determination on their running journey.

How To Do Warrior II Pose:

• Start in a standing position with your feet separated.
• Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and align your heel with the arch of your left foot.
• Bend your right knee directly over your ankle and extend your arms to the sides. Gaze over your right fingertips and engage your core muscles.
• Hold the pose for several breaths, feeling the strength and stability in your legs and the stretch in your hips.
• Repeat on the other side.

6. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)

The triangle Pose is a standing pose that provides a deep stretch for the hamstrings, hips, and side body. It also improves harmony and strengthens the legs and core muscles. Runners often experience tightness in the hamstrings and hips, and the Triangle Pose helps to lengthen and release tension in these areas. This pose also opens the chest and shoulders, promoting better breathing and lung capacity during runs. Regular practice of Triangle Pose can help runners improve their flexibility, prevent muscle imbalances, and enhance their overall running performance.

How To Do Triangle Pose:

• Stand with your feet wide apart, one foot facing forward and the other foot turned out to the side.
• Extend your arms out to the sides, parallel to the ground.
• Hinge at your hip and reach forward with your forward hand, placing it on your shin, ankle, or the floor.
• Extend your other arm toward the ceiling, keeping your gaze directed upward.
• Make sure to keep a straight line from your extended arm to your back foot.
• Hold the pose for several breaths, feeling the stretch in your legs and sides of the body.

7. Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose (Supta Padangusthasana)

The reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose is a restorative pose that stretches the hamstrings and calves. It also helps to relieve tightness in the lower back and hips. This pose is particularly beneficial for runners as it allows for a deep and passive stretch without putting excessive strain on the muscles. Daily exercise in this pose can help runners improve their flexibility, aid in muscle recovery, and create a sense of ease and balance in the body.

How To Do Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose:

• Lie on your back with your legs extended.
• Bend your right knee and bring your right thigh toward your chest.
• Wrap a strap or towel around the arch of your right foot and grasp the ends with your hands.
• Extend your right leg upward, keeping it straight and the foot flexed.
• Relax your shoulders and neck, and breathe deeply.
• Hold the pose for several breaths, feeling the stretch in your hamstrings and calf muscles.
• Repeat on the other side.

8. Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)

Pigeon Pose is a deep hip opener that targets the glutes, hips, and lower back. It releases tension in the hip flexors and piriformis muscles, which can become tight and imbalanced from running. Pigeon Pose also helps to increase hip mobility and alleviate any discomfort or tightness in the hips and lower back. This pose encourages relaxation and can help runners release emotional stress and tension stored in the hips. 

How To Do Pigeon Pose:

• Start in a high plank position.
• Bring your right knee forward and place it behind your right wrist.
• Extend your left leg straight back, keeping your hips squared.
• Slowly lower your upper body toward the ground, resting on your forearms or placing a block under your chest for support.
• Breathe deeply and relax into the pose, feeling the stretch in your hip and glute muscles.
• Hold the pose for several breaths, then repeat on the other side.

9. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)

The Seated Forward Bend is a calming yoga pose that stretches the entire back body, including the hamstrings, calves, and spine. It also helps to release tension in the shoulders and neck. This pose is beneficial for runners as it lengthens the muscles of the back body, improving overall flexibility and reducing the risk of muscle imbalances.

A Seated Forward Bend also calms the nervous system, promotes relaxation, and helps runners improve their running posture, prevent lower back pain, and create a sense of grounding and tranquility.

How To Do Seated Forward Bend:

• Sit on the ground with your legs extended in front of you.
• Inhale and lengthen your spine, then exhale and fold forward from your hips.
• Reach for your feet, ankles, or shins, depending on your flexibility.
• Keep your back straight and avoid rounding your spine.
• Breathe deeply and relax into the stretch, feeling the lengthening in your hamstrings and spine.
• Hold the pose for several breaths, gradually deepening the stretch.

10. Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Corpse Pose is a deeply relaxing pose that allows the body and mind to unwind fully and integrate the benefits of the yoga practice. It involves lying on the back, with the arms and legs relaxed, and focusing on conscious relaxation and deep breathing. Savasana helps to reduce physical and mental tension, promoting a state of deep relaxation and rejuvenation. This pose is particularly important for runners as it allows the body to recover and restore itself after a run.

Routine exercise of Corpse Pose can help runners enhance their recovery, reduce muscle soreness, and cultivate a sense of inner calm and peace.

How To Do Corpse Pose:

• Lie on your back with your legs extended and arms relaxed. Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths.
• Allow your body to relax, releasing any tension or tightness fully.
• Focus on letting go of any thoughts or distractions, entering a state of complete relaxation.
• Remain in this pose for several minutes, enjoying the sense of calm and rejuvenation.

Conclusion

As a runner, integrating yoga and running into your training regimen can be a game-changer. By incorporating the top 10 yoga poses for runners into your training routine, you can experience a significant boost in your running performance. 

The benefits of yoga for runners are numerous, ranging from improved performance and injury prevention to enhanced mental focus and overall well-being. At Rishikul Yogashala in Kerala, we are dedicated to helping runners like you discover the transformative power of yoga. So, you can join our short-term yoga courses or yoga retreats in Kerala and unlock your full running potential while fostering a deep connection with your body and mind. To embark on this transformative journey and take your running to the next level, contact us at +91 8433225327 or email us at info@rishikulyogshala.org.