Have you seen people doing namaskar in a way that their body touches the ground? A sashtang namaskar is a type of namaskar in which all "angas (body parts)" touch the ground. This type of namaskara is also called "dandakara namaskaram", "uddanda namaskara",etc. Sashtanga namaskar is also related to a process where one's ego is removed and in turn he develops a form of humility.
Sashtanga namaskar shows the thought of helplessness. By doing so you are sending message to God that you are helpless and you need his blessings. This sashtanga namaskar is also a symbol of sharanagati in the Lord's feet.
In some ways, it is also believed that this namaskara is a form of destruction of ego. It is said that when we tend to fall from a standing position, we get injured and when positioned in a seated position, one can still get injured.
The Sashtanga is where one lies down flat on the stomach with eight limbs touching the ground. The eight limbs are chest, head, hands, feet, knees, body, mind, and speech. This namaskaram is generally done by men.
Do you know women are not allowed to do Sashtanga namaskar? According to the scriptures, the reason why women should not do the Sashtanga Namaskaram is because the womb and the breasts of women should not touch the ground. The breast is a part of the woman's body which creates within itself the nourishment for the foetus and the womb holds the life of the foetus. Therefore, it should not come in contact with the ground.
Apart from spiritual beliefs, the Shastanga namaskar has many health benefits. It strengthens the muscles of the hands and legs along with the chest.
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