Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar

Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, widely known as B.K.S. Iyengar, was born on 14 December 1918, in Bellur, Kolar District, Karnataka, India, and passed away on 20 August 2014 in Pune, India. Renowned as one of the foremost yoga teachers globally, he dedicated more than 75 years to the practice and teaching of yoga. Iyengar is credited with founding Iyengar Yoga, though he humbly refrained from calling it by his own name. His methods have influenced millions worldwide, and today, Iyengar Yoga classes are offered across the globe.

Influential Writings and Recognition B.K.S. Iyengar authored numerous influential books on yoga practice and philosophy, including the seminal works Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama, and Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These books have become foundational texts in yoga communities worldwide. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1991, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and in 2004, Time Magazinenamed him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Early Life and Challenges Born into a large, poor family as the 11th of 13 children, Iyengar’s childhood was fraught with hardship. His village was in the grip of an influenza pandemic at the time of his birth, leaving him frail and vulnerable to various illnesses, including malaria, tuberculosis, and typhoid fever. At nine, he lost his father, further compounding his difficulties.

When Iyengar was 15, he went to live with his brother-in-law, Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, a distinguished yogi in Mysore. Under Krishnamacharya's guidance, Iyengar began practicing asanas, which dramatically improved his health and marked the beginning of his lifelong dedication to yoga.

A Growing Reputation Encouraged by Krishnamacharya, Iyengar moved to Pune in 1937 to teach yoga. He spent countless hours refining his techniques, gradually building a reputation for his detailed, methodical approach. His classes attracted more students as his fame spread, and in 1943, he married Ramamani, with whom he raised six children: Geeta, Vanita, Prashant, Sunita, Suchita, and Savita.

Recognition from Krishnamacharya Though Krishnamacharya was not known for formal praise, he witnessed Iyengar’s unique teaching style in action during a visit to Pune in 1961. Impressed, he awarded Iyengar the title "Yoga Shikshaka Chakravarti," meaning “Emperor of Yoga Teachers.” This endorsement encouraged Iyengar to teach publicly and broaden his reach.

International Influence Iyengar's international recognition began in 1952 when he met the famous violinist Yehudi Menuhin, who arranged for him to teach abroad. Iyengar’s teachings quickly gained popularity in London, Paris, Switzerland, and beyond, laying the foundation for yoga’s spread in the West.

In 1966, Iyengar published Light on Yoga, which became an international best-seller and is often referred to as the “bible of yoga.” This work, along with later titles on pranayama and yoga philosophy, helped to establish Iyengar Yoga as a respected practice worldwide. Over his lifetime, he authored 14 books.

Establishing the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute In 1975, he founded the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, in honor of his late wife. Though he officially retired in 1984, he continued teaching advanced classes and writing about yoga. His daughter Geeta and son Prashant have also gained international recognition as Iyengar Yoga teachers.

Later Years and Legacy In 2005, Iyengar visited the United States to promote his book Light on Life, delivering a memorable workshop at a Yoga Journal conference. In 2011, China honored him with a commemorative stamp, symbolizing his profound impact on yoga worldwide.

Iyengar’s legacy endures in the teachings and writings he left behind. Today, millions continue to practice Iyengar Yoga, benefiting from his life’s work and dedication to making yoga accessible, transformative, and deeply rooted in tradition.