Importance of Namaskar

There are several ways in which people pay obeisance (namaskār or salutation) to the Divine. Various types gestures or postures accompany prayers or obeisance. Some people hold their hands up as if in asking, while others bring their fists together, while yet others may pray with hands folded, as seen above. For the simple reason that it is the most scientific way to attract the divine consciousness (Chaitanya) from God towards oneself.

Origin and the meaning of the word 'Namaskar'

The word 'Namaskār' is derived from the root 'Namaha,' which means paying obeisance or salutation. In the Hindu Science of Justice (Nyaayashaastra), 'namaha' is a physical action, expressing that 'you are superior to me in all qualities and in every way.' The main objective of doing Namaskār to someone is to derive spiritual as well as worldly benefits.

Worldly benefits

By doing Namaskār to a Deity or a Saint, unknowingly their virtues and capabilities are impressed upon our mind. Consequently, we start emulating them, thus changing ourselves for the better.

Spiritual benefits

- Increase in humility and the reduction of ego

While doing Namaskār, if one thinks, 'You are superior to me; I am subordinate; I do not know anything; You are Omniscient,' it helps to reduce ego and increasing humility.

- Enhancement in surrender and gratitude

While doing Namaskār, when thoughts like 'I do not know anything; You alone get everything done; Grant me a place at Your Holy Feet' come to mind, this helps in increasing ones surrender and gratitude.

- Gaining the sattva component and making faster spiritual progress

Among the various postures used for paying obeisance, we receive the highest amount of sattva component from the posture (mudrā) of Namaskār, recommended by The Hindu Dharma.
By doing Namaskār to Deities or Saints we receive the subtle frequencies They emit, for example, the frequencies of sattva or Bliss.
By doing Namaskār to Deities or Saints we also receive Their blessings in a subtle form. This helps in expediting our spiritual progress.