Yoga Day 2025: Why Maharishi Patanjali Is Known as the Father of Yoga

Yoga Day 2025: Why Maharishi Patanjali Is Known as the Father of Yoga (image: vedicmatters)

As the world celebrates International Yoga Day 2025, it’s the perfect time to remember the visionary behind the philosophy that transformed yoga into a holistic practice—Maharishi Patanjali. Known as the Father of Yoga, his ancient teachings continue to influence millions globally. His text, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, remains a timeless guide for mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Who Was Patanjali?

Patanjali was a revered Indian sage and philosopher who lived sometime between the 2nd century BCE and 4th century CE. He is most well-known for authoring the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text that outlines the core principles and philosophy of classical yoga. His work turned yoga from a spiritual pursuit into a structured discipline, paving the way for how it is practiced today.

What Are the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali?

The Yoga Sutras are a collection of 196 concise aphorisms (sutras) that define the Eight Limbs of Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga. These include ethical principles (Yama and Niyama), physical postures (Asana), breath control (Pranayama), and higher stages like meditation (Dhyana) and ultimate liberation (Samadhi). Patanjali’s system is not just about physical fitness—it’s a roadmap to achieving mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual liberation.

Why Is Patanjali Called the Father of Yoga?

Before Patanjali, yoga was an oral tradition passed through generations. His brilliance lay in compiling, codifying, and simplifying this wisdom into an organized system. This system continues to be the basis for modern yoga practices and is widely followed by yoga teachers, spiritual leaders, and wellness practitioners.

As we unroll our yoga mats on this International Yoga Day, let us also bow in gratitude to Sage Patanjali. His Yoga Sutras remind us that yoga is more than just physical exercise—it’s a path to self-awareness, spiritual growth, and universal harmony.