Namaste / Namaskar

Questions Answered Here

1. What is the common usage and meaning of Namaste?
2. What gesture accompanies the Namaste greeting?
3. What is the symbolic meaning of pressing the hands together?
4. Why are the hands placed at the chest?
5. What is the meaning of the bowing of the head?
6. What is the meaning for the gesture without the word?
7. Why may the hands be placed at the forehead or above the head?
8. What is the meaning of the root word, namah?

Meaning / Significance

Usage

• “Namaskar” and “Namaste” are often used interchangeably while some sources make a distinction between the words.
• The word “Namaste” is frequently used as a greeting in India, and in other places among yogis.