- By Ridam Sharma
- Sat, 21 Jun 2025 02:59 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Famous Indian Yoga Gurus: Every year, on June 21, people across the globe celebrate International Yoga Day to spread awareness about the benefits of yoga on physical and mental well-being. On the important occasion, let’s take a look at the 20 famous Indian yoga gurus. Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that has been influenced and made popular by several of these Yogis over the centuries. The yoga masters have contributed immensely to the philosophy of yoga, its techniques, and have promoted the art of yoga globally. From the ancient sage like Maharishi Patanjali, who wrote down yoga philosophy, to modern gurus like Sadhguru and Baba Ramdev, who have promoted yoga among millions of people around the world. These Indian yoga gurus and their philosophies and traditions continue to motivate and guide practitioners for their physical, mental and health.
Here is a list of 20 popular yoga gurus of India, from Maharishi Patanjali to Baba Ramdev, who have influenced yoga practice across the world, according to the Indian Yoga Association.
List of 20 Famous Yoga Gurus In India:
1. Maharishi Patanjali:
Maharishi Patanjali is an ancient sage and the writer of the Yoga Sutras, along with the basis of classical yoga philosophy.
2. Tirumalai Krishnamacharya:
Tirumalai Krishnamacharya transformed ancient yoga into contemporary yoga, especially the traditional art of hatha yoga.
3. Swami Sivananda Saraswati:
Swami Sivananda Saraswati is known for his knowledge about karma yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga and raja yoga. He also wrote and established the Divine Life Society, inspiring numerous disciples.
4. BKS Iyengar:
Bellur Krishnamacharya Sundararaja Iyengar founded the famous Iyengar Yoga, which focused on alignment and therapeutic practice of yoga.
5. K Pattabhi Jois:
K Pattabhi Jois formed Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Nowadays, this fast-paced style of yoga is practised globally.
6. TKV Desikachar:
TKV Desikachar promoted individualised yoga therapy. He is also the founder of the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram.
7. Swami Vivekananda:
Swami Vivekananda played a crucial role in spreading yoga and Vedanta to the Western world in the latter part of the 19th century.
8. Paramahansa Yogananda:
Paramahansa Yogananda popularised Kriya Yoga and spiritual philosophy all over the world, especially in America.
9. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi:
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi made Transcendental Meditation famous and gained international followers, including celebrities.
10. Swami Rama:
Swami Rama showcased yogic science to the Western world and also established the Himalayan Institute.
11. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev:
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is a contemporary spiritual guru and has established Isha Foundation. He is a popular international yoga ambassador.
12. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is the founder of Art of Living and is known for Sudarshan Kriya and his other humanitarian work.
13. Baba Ramdev:
Baba Ramdev is responsible for bringing yoga to the masses via television and large-scale public events. He is also the founder of Patanjali.
14. Swami Satyananda Saraswati:
Swami Satyananda Saraswati founded Satyananda Yoga and the Bihar School of Yoga. He is known to integrate ancient and modern practices of yoga.
15. Swami Chidananda Saraswati:
Swami Chidananda Saraswati is the spiritual head of Divine Life Society and is known for his teachings and writings.
16. Swami Vishnudevananda:
Swami Vishnudevananda has popularised Sivananda Yoga worldwide and opened yoga centres all over the world.
17. Bikram Choudhury:
Bikram Choudhury founded Bikram Yoga, which is a system of 26 yoga postures done in a room heated to 105°F (41°C) with 40% humidity.
18. Dr Manoj Yogacharya:
Dr. Manoj Yogacharya is famous for making yoga mainstream and incorporating Ayurveda in it. Additionally, he educates thousands of online students.
19. Bhavesh Bhimanathani:
Bhavesh Bhimanathani is a new-age teacher combining classical yoga with modern needs. He is also a founder of Yoga Virtually.
20. Amit Namdev:
Amit Namdev is a modern holistic yoga teacher who is widely known to integrate yoga with other healing arts.
This comprehensive guide about the 20 most famous yoga gurus from India is perfect to learn about their lives, teachings, and contributions to modern yoga practices. Happy International Yoga Day 2025!