Prithvi Shaamak / Surya mudra

Prithvi Shaamak / Surya mudra

MANTRA : OM NAMO SURYAYA NAMAH

Popularly known as Surya mudra, this mudra increases the Agni (fire) element within the body. It can, therefore, be called Agni-vardhak mudra, too. At the same time, this mudra decreases the Prithvi (earth) element within the body.

Steps :

1. Stand or sit up straight.
2. Hold your hands out in front of you.
3. Bend the ring finger of each hand so that its tip touches the mound of your thumb.
4. Press down on your ring finger with your thumb.
5. Ensure that the other fingers are spread out straight.

Effects : 

Prithvi-shaamak or Agni-vardhak mudra increases the Agni (fire) element within the body but subdues the Prithvi (earth) element. The element Agni (fire) is associated with body-temperature and metabolism. Practice of Prithvi-shaamak or Surya mudra helps to maintain the body-temperature and keeps the metabolism going. The element Agni is also connected with vision. Hence, regular practice of Surya mudra helps to strengthen weak eyes and improve vision. Agni is also a component of bodily humor Pitta. Practice of Prithvi-shaamak or Surya mudra increases the Pitta humor within the body. Therefore, this mudra can be used to overcome disorders caused by Pitta deficiency. However, it should be used only in moderation by people having an excess of Pitta. Prithvi-shaamak mudra decreases the element Prithvi (earth) within the body. It is, therefore, excellent for people having an excess of element Prithvi in their bodies. The element earth is also a component of bodily humor kapha. Therefore, Prithvi-shaamak mudra is an excellent mudra for people with a pronounced kapha constitution. They can regularly practise this mudra even to prevent illness.

Benefits of  Prithvi-shaamak (Agni-vardhak; Surya) mudra:

1. Abnormally low body-temperature
2. Coldness of skin, body, limbs, hands, feet, etc.
3. Intolerance to cold, shivering
4. Underactivity of the thyroid gland causing slow metabolism
5. Obesity, progressive weight-gain
6. Loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation
7. Absence of sweating, 8. Certain vision/eye problems, especially cataract. 

Duration :30 to 45 minutes every day either at one stretch or in 3 parts (i.e., for 10 to 15 minutes, thrice a day).
Ideal time : Though this mudra can be performed any time.
Precaution : Over-performance of this mudra may cause undue heating of the body.