Namaskara: A Simple Guide to Humble Greetings

Namaskara is an expression of humility. It shows respect and reverence. Namaskara can be done in three ways:

1. Kayika Namaskara - Done with the body.
2. Vachika Namaskara - Done with words.
3. Manasika Namaskara - Done with the mind.

Types of Kayika Namaskara (Physical Namaskara)

1. Superior Namaskara
   This is called the Sashtanga Namaskara. Lie face down with your knees, head, and body fully touching the ground.
• For women, the chest should not touch the ground. This is known as Panchanga Namaskara.
2. Medium Namaskara
   Here, you kneel and bow with your head touching the ground.
• For men, it is the Medium namaskara, but for women, it gives the full benefit of Superior.
3. Basic Namaskara
   In this type, you stand and join your palms above your head in the Anjali Mudra. There is no lying down or kneeling.

When to Use Each Type?

• Use Superior Namaskara whenever possible, as it is the best.
• Use Medium Namaskara if there is limited space, like in a small shrine.
• Use Basic Namaskara if you are in a queue or lack space.

The Shastra says that the gods prefer the Sashtanga Namaskara or Panchanga Namaskara for women. This shows complete surrender.

Types of Vachika Namaskara (Verbal Namaskara)

1. Superior
   Say a mantra with devotion. A mantra with "namaha," "pranamami," or "pranatosmi" shows respect and humility.
2. Medium
   Say the mantra without any devotion. This still holds some value.
3. Basic
   Use simple, humble words in your natural language if you don’t know a mantra. If you continue this, you will learn mantras with time.

Even without devotion, saying namaskara develops bhakti over time.

Types of Manasika Namaskara (Mental Namaskara)

1. Superior
   Bow mentally to a deity with love and devotion.
2. Medium
   Offer mental namaskara casually, without knowing the deity or feeling any emotion.
3. Basic
   If you bow out of fear, it is Basic. For example, bowing to a deity like Yakshi out of fear shows minimal respect.

When to Avoid Kayika Namaskara

• Avoid physical namaskara at night.

Doing Namaskara to Others

• Do namaskara to elders, women, and gurus by offering namaskara. However, in a temple, namaskara is only for God and your own guru.
• If many elders are present, bow once to all, not individually. For example, during a puja, one namaskara is enough for all acharyas present.
• Do not do namaskara:
• From a distance, even to an idol.
• To someone in water or bathing.
• To someone running or angry.
• To someone who is arrogant and won’t acknowledge you.

Do namaskara only when it will be recognized and returned with blessings.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi