Historical Figures
Patanjali
Patanjali is often referred to as the “Father of Modern Yoga.” He is credited with compiling the “Yoga Sutras,” which systematized yoga practices and philosophies that existed during his time, believed to be between the 2nd and 4th centuries BCE.
Tirumalai Krishnamacharya
Known as the “Father of Modern Yoga,” Krishnamacharya (1888–1989) revived Hatha Yoga and developed Vinyasa Yoga, integrating breath with movement. His teachings laid the foundation for many contemporary yoga styles and he trained numerous influential students.
Swami Sivananda
Swami Sivananda (1887–1963) was a prominent yoga master who emphasized a holistic approach to yoga, incorporating physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. His teachings inspired many and continue to influence yoga practitioners worldwide.
B.K.S. Iyengar
B.K.S. Iyengar (1918–2014) revolutionized yoga by introducing props and emphasizing alignment, making yoga accessible to people of all ages and abilities. He founded the Iyengar Yoga style, which is widely practiced today.
K. Pattabhi Jois
K. Pattabhi Jois (1915–2009) developed Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, a dynamic and physically demanding style of yoga. His method has gained a global following and is known for its structured sequence of postures.
Paramahansa Yogananda
Yogananda (1893–1952) is known for introducing Kriya Yoga to the West and authored the influential book “Autobiography of a Yogi.” His teachings focused on the spiritual aspects of yoga and self-realization.
Contemporary Gurus
Baba Ramdev
Baba Ramdev is a modern yoga guru known for popularizing yoga through mass yoga camps and television programs. He founded Patanjali Ayurved, which combines yoga with Ayurvedic principles.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Founder of the Art of Living Foundation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar promotes yoga as a tool for personal and social transformation, emphasizing the importance of meditation and breathing techniques.
Dr. Hansa Yogendra
Dr. Hansa Yogendra is the director of The Yoga Institute in Mumbai and has been instrumental in spreading yoga education through seminars and online platforms.
Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma)
Known for her humanitarian work, Amma incorporates yoga into her teachings on selfless service and meditation, promoting a holistic approach to well-being.
T.K.V. Desikachar
Son of Krishnamacharya, Desikachar developed the Viniyoga approach, which emphasizes personalized yoga practices tailored to individual needs.
These gurus have significantly contributed to the development of various yoga styles and have played a crucial role in making yoga a global phenomenon, influencing millions of practitioners around the world.
