Sūryanamaskār: Tracing the Origins of Yoga's Sun Salutation

In contemporary, globalised yoga, few practices are as widespread or as emblematic as sūryanamaskār (‘salutation to the sun’). This short sequence of postures linked through movement and breath is the cornerstone of numerous popular yoga brands, where it serves both as a standalone practice and as an adjunct to additional postural techniques. Whilst purportedly rooted in ancient rites of sun worship, sūryanamaskār is typically harnessed towards secular physiological goals, such as improved health, fitness and flexibility. Despite prevailing assumptions surrounding the antiquity of sūryanamaskār, the practice does not feature in any known yogic tradition. Its provenance remains obscure and has eluded conclusive identification. This article sheds fresh light on the origins of sūryanamaskār by exploring new avenues of research at the intersections between haṭhayoga and Indo-Persian martial traditions.