- By Aditya Jha
- Sat, 21 Jun 2025 09:05 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
International Yoga Day 2025: The whole world is celebrating International Yoga Day on Saturday for better mental and physical health. While yoga is now performed in almost all the top countries, it is the right time to remember the sage who compiled all forms of yoga in a single book—Maharishi Patanjali. Widely regarded as the father of yoga, Patanjali had a major contribution in promoting the exercise form among several kingdoms. His teachings continue to inspire people, and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, his compilation work, has a significant role in teaching the art to the modern world. While yoga is believed to have existed for hundreds of years, Patanjali is remembered for compiling the oral ideas into a book and making it accessible for the normal people.
Who Was Patanjali?
Maharishi Patanjali was an Indian philosopher and sage who is believed to have lived between the 2nd century BCE and 4th century CE. While he authored several books during his lifetime, his most famous and influential work remains Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Patanjali described the core principles and philosophy of classical yoga in his book and also emphasised yoga's impact on mental health as well. His work continues to inspire the young generation and has played a key role in promoting the exercise form to the whole world.
The Yoga Sutras are considered significant as it is a collection of a total of 196 sutras that emphasises on the Eight Limbs of the exercise form. The eight limbs of yoga include ethical principles (Yama and Niyama), physical postures (Asana), breath control (Pranayama), and higher stages like meditation (Dhyana) and ultimate liberation (Samadhi).
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Why Patanjali Is Regarded As Father Of Yoga?
Patanjali is regarded as the father of yoga due to his teachings and compiling the exercise form in a single book. While yoga existed even before him, it was transferred orally and lacked a proper structure. Patanjali also emphasised that yoga can lead to better mental health and spiritual life.