Surya Namaskar, also known as Sun Salutation, is a dynamic sequence of 12 yoga postures performed in a continuous flowing series. Surya Namaskar is done to honour the sun. Because the Sun gives energy and nurtures like a mother. The same sun is said to be in the body too (the solar plexus). We even salute the sun in the body that gives us energy and nourishes us.
ॐ भास्कराय विद्महे महादुत्याथिकराया धीमहि तनमो आदित्य प्रचोदयात ।।
Meaning- Let me meditate on the Surya Deva, the maker of the day, give me higher intellect, And let the Lord Sun illuminate my mind.