Famous Yoga Teachers in India and Their Impact

India, the birthplace of Yoga, has produced numerous influential yoga teachers who have spread their knowledge and expertise worldwide. In this article, we will explore the world of Yoga, delving into the lives and teachings of 17 famous yoga teachers in India and examining their impact on the global yoga scene.

1. Tirumalai Krishnamacharya played a significant role in the revival of Hatha Yoga.

Head of the Famous Yoga Teachers in India List, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, a renowned yoga guru, played a significant role in the revival of Hatha Yoga. His profound knowledge of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Sanskrit laid the foundation for his role as a critical figure in the revival of Hatha Yoga and the emergence of modern Yoga. Krishnamacharya’s teachings have immensely impacted the global yoga community, naming him the “Father of Modern Yoga.”

T Krishnamacharya received an extensive education in various fields, including Yoga, philosophy, Sanskrit, logic, and grammar. He studied under several esteemed teachers, including his father, who was an accomplished scholar and yogi. As a young man, Krishnamacharya embarked on a spiritual quest, traveling to the Himalayas, where he studied with the legendary yogi Ramamohan Brahmachari for over seven years.

During this time, Krishnamacharya mastered various yoga asanas, pranayama techniques, and other aspects of yoga practice. He also studied the Patanjali Yoga Sutra, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and other classical yoga texts, deepening his understanding of the ancient wisdom and principles of Yoga.

Krishnamacharya’s return from the Himalayas marked the beginning of his mission to revive and propagate the teachings of Hatha Yoga. In 1924, he established a yoga school in the Mysore Palace under the patronage of the Maharaja of Mysore, where he taught various forms of Yoga, including Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, sourced from the manuscript he had learned from his guru.

Krishnamacharya’s influence on the world of Yoga extends far beyond his teachings, as he mentored several prominent yoga masters who went on to shape the global yoga landscape. Among his students were B.K.S. Iyengar, K. Pattabhi Jois, Indra Devi, and his son T.K.V. Desichar. These students carried on Krishnamacharya’s teachings, each developing their distinct styles of Yoga, which have become widely practiced worldwide. Further, he famously collaborated with Srivatsa Ramaswami to write the very popular text “The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga”.

Collectively Krishnamacharya’s impact on the Yoga World, arguably, makes him the most famous yoga teacher in India on this list.

Born: November 18, 1888 

Died: February 28, 1989

2. B.K.S. Iyengar: A Pioneering Force

Iyengar yoga was founded by BKS Iyengar, whose innovative method emphasizes precision and correct alignment. The use of props (equipment) in Iyengar yoga allows students to maintain asanas correctly to enhance the benefits. BKS Iyengar has made all aspects of yoga popular, without sacrificing the purity of the classical teachings.

Yoga not only develops flexibility, strength, and stamina as the skeletal body, muscles, skin, and flesh become aligned but also helps to optimize the health of all the internal systems and organs of the body. Regular practice leads to increased self-awareness, mental clarity, and reduction in stress levels and fatigue.

The sense of well-being that comes from the physical and mental disciplines of yoga helps in coping with the day-to-day stresses of modern life.

Yoga is a powerful system of healing (although this is not its primary aim) and can lead to the relief of many ailments.

Yoga means union – the union of the individual with the universal, the union of the body with the mind, and the mind with the soul.

The Essence of Yoga

Yoga means union – the union of the individual with the universal, the union of the body with the mind, and the mind with the soul. Yoga teaches us the art of living – its practice leads us to integration not only within ourselves but with society and nature. It is as relevant today as when the system first evolved in pre-historic India.

People attend yoga classes for many different reasons – to improve health, to decrease stress levels, or to seek a life that offers more fulfillment. The ancient physical and mental disciplines of yoga lead to the rediscovery of health and wholeness – not by suppression, but with practices that free the body and awaken emotional and mental clarity. Its practice affects all aspects of living – relationships with others, the use of energy, and care of the body, mind, and soul.

At its most sublime it is a path from the physical to the spiritual. Most people, however, practice yoga not to reach this goal, but simply to improve the quality of their lives.

Considering Iyengar’s achievements and impact, it's an understatement to say he was one of the most famous yoga teachers in India.

Born: December 14, 1918

Died: August 20, 2014

3. K. Pattabhi Jois: Ashtanga Yoga Guru

K. Pattabhi Jois was a renowned yoga teacher who popularized Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, a dynamic and powerful form of Yoga that synchronizes breath with movement. He learned this practice from his guru, T. Krishnamacharya.

Pattabhi Jois dedicated his life to the study and practice of Ashtanga Yoga, as outlined in the Yoga Korunta. He meticulously researched and refined the practice, developing a system of Yoga that synchronized breath and movement in a series of progressively challenging sequences. This dynamic and physically demanding form of Yoga became known as Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.

In 1948, Pattabhi Jois established the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute (known as the Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute, renamed in 2019 the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Shala) in Mysore, India. The institute became a hub for the study and practice of Ashtanga Yoga, attracting students worldwide seeking to learn this powerful and transformative practice.

Perhaps K. Pattabhi Jois fame really took shape in India upon a few notable stars from the west becoming his students.  Some stars include Madonna, Robert Downey Jr, Sting and Gwyneth Paltrow.

K. Pattabhi Jois passed away on May 18, 2009, but his legacy as the master of Ashtanga Yoga endures. His teachings and Books (Yoga Mala) inspire and guide students worldwide, and his institute in Mysore remains a center for authentic Ashtanga Yoga practice.

Born: July 26, 1915

Died: May 18, 2009

4.R. Sharath Jois: Current Guru of Ashtanga Yoga

Of all the living Yoga teachers in India, R. Sharath Jois is arguably the most famous yoga teacher in India. Sharath is the grandson of K. Pattabhi Jois and the current guru of the.He began practicing Yoga at a young age under the guidance of his grandfather and has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the Ashtanga Yoga tradition.

After years of rigorous practice and learning, Sharath began teaching at the Ashtanga Yoga Institute alongside his grandfather. As Pattabhi Jois aged, Sharath took on more responsibilities. In 2007 when Pattabhi Jois was not in good health and unable to teach any longer, Sharath became director of the institute. In 2019, Jois’s mother, Saraswathi Rangaswamy, moved her yoga school to the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI) and renamed it the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Shala. In addition, Sharath Jois opened a new shala, Sharath Yoga Centre (S.Y.C.)

As the current guru of the Ashtanga Yoga lineage, Sharath Joi's dedicated to preserving and promoting the tradition handed down by his grandfather. His teaching style emphasizes the importance of daily practice, discipline, and integrating the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga into one’s life. Under his leadership, the S.Y.C. thrives and attracts yoga practitioners worldwide who came to Mysore to learn from the authentic source of Ashtanga Yoga.

Born: September 29, 1971

5. T.K.V. Desikachar: The Pioneer of Viniyoga

Desikachar began his formal study of yoga under his father’s guidance in the early 1960s. Under Krishnamacharya’s tutelage, he learned the principles of yoga practice, philosophy, and therapy. Desikachar’s education also included the study of various classical texts, such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

T.K.V. Desikachar went on to develop his unique style of yoga called Viniyoga, which emphasizes adapting yoga practices to suit the individual needs of each practitioner. This approach to yoga focuses on the individual, considering the person’s age, health, lifestyle, and physical capabilities. He went on to write a book on his approach to Yoga called The Heart Of Yoga: Developing A Personal Practice.

In 1976, T.K.V. Desikachar founded the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) in Chennai, India, as a center for yoga education, practice, and therapy. The KYM has become a renowned institution that attracts students and teachers from around the world who come to learn the principles of Viniyoga and the teachings of Krishnamacharya.

T.K.V. Desikachar passed away on August 8, 2016, but his contributions to the yoga world continue to inspire and guide countless practitioners. His pioneering work in developing Viniyoga has significantly impacted the global yoga community, emphasizing the importance of personalizing the practice and making it accessible to all. As the torchbearer of his father’s teachings, Desikachar played a pivotal role in the evolution of yoga, ensuring that the ancient wisdom of this transformative discipline remains relevant and available to future generations.

Born: July 21, 1938

Died: August 8, 2016

6.Swami Sivananda Saraswati: Founder of Sivananda Yoga

Swami Sivananda Saraswati: Founder of Sivananda Yoga​

Swami Sivananda Saraswati was a spiritual master who founded the Divine Life Society and the Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh, India. He played a crucial role in popularizing Yoga in the western world through his teachings on Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Karma Yoga. His teachings emphasized a holistic approach to Yoga, incorporating yoga asana and pranayama, meditation, and a focus on spiritual practice. 

Today, Sivananda Yoga Teaching is in numerous yoga schools worldwide, and the Sivananda Ashram continues to be a hub for spiritual seekers and yoga practitioners.

Born: September 8, 1887

Died: July 14, 1963

7.Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Founder of Transcendental Meditation Technique

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Founder of Transcendental Meditation

was a yoga guru who brought the Transcendental Meditation (T.M.) technique to the western world. The TM technique is a simple, natural, and effortless meditation practice studied extensively for its mental and physical health benefits.

 Maharishi gained international fame when celebrities like The Beatles and The Beach Boys began practicing T.M. His teachings have influenced millions worldwide, and today Transcendental Meditation is in over 100 countries.

Born: January 12, 1918

Died: February 5, 2008

8. Paramahansa Yogananda: Kriya Yoga Master and Author of "Autobiography of a Yogi"

Paramahansa Yogananda: "Autobiography of a Yogi"

Paramahansa Yogananda was an influential yoga guru who introduced the West to the teachings of Kriya Yoga, a powerful technique that combines yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation for spiritual growth. 

His book, “Autobiography of a Yogi,” has been a bestseller since its publication in 1946 and has inspired countless individuals, including Steve Jobs, to embark on a spiritual quest. Yogananda’s teachings continue to influence yoga practitioners and spiritual seekers worldwide.

Born: January 5, 1893

Died: May 7, 1952

9. Swami Vivekananda: Yoga Philosopher and Proponent of Raja Yoga

Swami Vivekananda introduced Indian philosophies, including Yoga, to the Western world. He played a significant role in reviving Hinduism in India and was instrumental in promoting Raja Yoga, a form of Yoga that focuses on meditation and self-discipline. 

His impactful speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893 introduced yoga philosophy to Western audiences, laying the foundation for the global popularity of Yoga today.

Born: January 12, 1863

Died: July 4, 1902

10.Baba Ramdev: Yoga Guru and Founder of Patanjali Yogpeeth

Baba Ramdev: Founder of Patanjali Yogpeeth

Baba Ramdev is a prominent yoga guru in India, known for popularizing Yoga through television programs and online classes. He has been instrumental in the resurgence of traditional Hatha Yoga practices and emphasizes the importance of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras in his teachings. 

Ramdev founded Patanjali Yogpeeth, a yoga institution offering yoga classes, teacher training courses, and research on Yoga and Ayurvedic medicine.

Born: December 25, 1965

11.Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Founder of the Art of Living Foundation and Sudarshan Kriya

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a spiritual leader and the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, which offers Yoga, meditation, and personal development programs worldwide. He is also the creator of Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing technique that helps reduce stress and improve overall well-being. 

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s teachings have inspired millions of people globally, and his foundation has played a significant role in popularizing Yoga as a tool for personal and social transformation.

Born: May 13, 1956

12. Jaggi Vasudev (Sadhguru): Founder of Isha Foundation and Author of "Inner Engineering"

Jaggi Vasudev : Founder of Isha Foundation

Jaggi Vasudev, popularly known as Sadhguru, is a yogi, mystic, and the founder of the Isha Foundation, which offers yoga programs and social outreach initiatives worldwide. Sadhguru’s teachings focus on empowering individuals to realize their full potential through the practice of Yoga and meditation. His book, “Inner Engineering,” is acclaimed for its scientific insights and relevance to the modern world.

Born: September 3, 1957

13. Swami Rama: Founder of the Himalayan Institute and Master of Yoga

Swami Rama: Master of Yoga

Swami Rama was a yoga master who founded the Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy in the United States. He was known for his unique ability to control bodily functions through Yoga and meditation. 

Swami Rama’s teachings emphasized the holistic nature of Yoga, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. His work continues to influence yoga practitioners worldwide.

Born: (Month and Day Unknown) 1925

Died: November 13, 1966

14. Swami Satyananda Saraswati: Founder of the Bihar School of Yoga and Kundalini Yoga Expert

Swami Satyananda Saraswati was a disciple of Swami Sivananda and the founder of the Bihar School of Yoga. He was a pioneer in the field of yoga therapy and is known for his expertise in Kundalini Yoga. His teachings and books have been instrumental in popularizing Yoga as a science for holistic health and well-being.

Born: December 25, 1923

Died: December 5, 2009

15.Swami Satchidananda: Founder of Integral Yoga and Ambassador of Peace

Swami Satchidananda: Founder of Integral Yoga

Swami Satchidananda was a spiritual leader and yoga master who founded the Integral Yoga Institute. He advocated for interfaith harmony and peace, and his teachings emphasized the unity of all religions. 

Integral Yoga incorporates Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Karma Yoga, providing a comprehensive approach to spiritual growth and well-being. Swami Satchidananda’s teachings have had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals around the world.

Born: December 22, 1914

Died: August 19, 2002

16. Bishnu Charan Ghosh: Founder Ghosh Yoga

Bishnu Charan Ghosh, the younger brother of Paramahansa Yogananda, was a pioneer of modern yoga bodybuilding and the founder of Ghosh Yoga. Born in Kolkata, India, Ghosh was inspired by the physical aspects of yoga and its potential for developing strength, flexibility, and overall health. He combined traditional yoga practices with bodybuilding techniques to create a unique approach to physical fitness.

Ghosh’s College of Physical Education, established in 1923, became a center for yoga and bodybuilding in India. Some of his famous students include Bikram Choudhury and Buddha Bose. Ghosh’s methods and teachings have had a lasting impact on the world of yoga, particularly in the area of physical fitness and the development of yoga as a form of exercise. His approach continues to inspire yoga practitioners and fitness enthusiasts globally.

Born: June 24, 1903

Died: July 9, 1970

17. Bhavesh Bhimanathani: A new Entry famous yoga teachers in india

Bhavesh Bhimanathani: Embodiment of Yogic Dedication

Deeply rooted in yoga and spirituality, is an inspiration in today’s fast-paced world. His unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva and his Guru has guided his journey, with prestigious certifications from institutions like Kaivalyadhama and Yoga Alliance. Living the teachings daily, Bhavesh is more than just a certified instructor; he is the essence of true yogic practice.

From Bombay to the spiritually-rich Rishikesh, Bhavesh’s quest for knowledge has been profound. His mission: spread the wisdom of the Rishis and champion Sanatan Dharma. With this vision, he founded Yoga Virtually in Mumbai, underscoring yoga’s holistic nature beyond just physical postures. His teachings have reached the corporate halls of Tata Power and Reliance Group, showcasing yoga’s universal appeal.

 Besides, as the Co-Founder of Adiveda India, Bhavesh merges deep knowledge with practical spirituality, making him a guiding light for many on their spiritual path. In essence, Bhavesh Bhimanathani beautifully merges ancient yoga’s spirit with the modern world’s rhythm.

Born: March 28.