Namaskar

Namaskar is a traditional greeting and gesture of reverence widely used in the Indian subcontinent. It functions as a polite welcome, a sign of respect toward elders and teachers, and a devotional salutation toward deities in Hindu practice. The term is derived from Sanskrit and appears in various regional spellings, including Namaskar, Namaskaar, and Namaskaram.

Etymology and meaning: Namaskāra is formed from nam, meaning "to bow" or "to pay homage," and karā, meaning "a making" or "act." In modern usage, it conveys both greeting and reverence, sometimes accompanied by a verbal salutation such as namaskar, namaste, or a simple bow.

Gesture and practice: The gesture is Anjali Mudra, with the palms pressed together at the center of the chest, fingers pointing upward, and thumbs lightly touching the sternum. The head and torso may bow slightly. It is used in daily interactions as well as ceremonial occasions to convey respect, gratitude, or request.

Contexts: In Hinduism, Namaskar is used to greet people, gods, and sacred places, and to show reverence in temples and during rituals. Similar gestures appear in Jainism and Buddhism. In yoga, the term is associated with Surya Namaskar (sun salutation), a sequence of postures performed as a respectful greeting to the sun or as a rhythmic practice.

Regional usage and variations: Namaskar is common in India and Nepal, with regional preferences for Namaste or Namaskar. In contemporary usage, it is often employed as a formal or ceremonial greeting in social, religious, and international contexts, including among yoga communities worldwide.