What is "Surya Nasaksar"?

According to Yoga Journal, Surya Namaskar, which literally means "sun salutation," is a yoga exercise performed in the morning. It is meant to pay homage to the sun for its light and energy.

There are many derivations of sun salutations, each with its own postures and sequences, according to Yoga Journal. Each session always begins and ends with both hands clasped near the heart. The practice can be a good exercise, but it also has a rich history and symbolic meaning in Hindu tradition, as the sun is honored as the creator of all life, the spiritual heart and the eye of the world.