Yoga is a physical and spiritual discipline that has its roots in ancient India. It is a comprehensive strategy for health and wellbeing that incorporates ethical values, breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation. Around 5000 years ago, the Indus Valley civilisation is where yoga first emerged. However, yoga became more systematic and formalised between 800 BCE and 500 CE, during the classical era of Indian history. A number of philosophical traditions, such as Vedanta and Samkhya Yoga, developed in India during this period. The idea of the self (atman), the nature of reality (Brahman), and the route to liberation (moksha) are only a few of the ideas and practices that these schools developed in relation to yoga. Specifically, the Yoga school created a In particular, the Yoga school created a thorough system of yoga that encompassed yamas and niyamas, or ethical precepts, breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation (dhyana), and physical postures (asanas). One of the most significant books on yoga philosophy and practice is Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, which were composed in 200 CE. It describes the eight limbs of yoga, which include samadhi (a state of spiritual enlightenment), physical postures, breathing exercises, concentration, meditation, and ethical ideals. The evolution of yoga was greatly influenced by this literature, which is being studied and practiced today. Self-disciplined Yogis who aimed to achieve spiritual emancipation and transcend the material world were the first to practise yoga. Nevertheless, yoga also grew more widely available throughout time.

Householders who wanted to live a more happy life, lower stress levels, and enhance their health adopted it. In India, yoga continued to advance and change throughout the Middle Ages. Yoga was included into the religious rites of the Bhakti movement, which placed a strong emphasis on devotion to a personal god. As a result, Bhakti yoga—a style of yoga that places an emphasis on love and devotion to a personal deity—was created. Around this time, the Hatha yoga tradition also developed, emphasising physical postures and breathing exercises to cleanse the body and get it ready for spiritual practice. The Gheranda Samhita and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika are two examples of Hatha yoga literature that offer comprehensive guidance on a variety of asanas and pranayama techniques.

Yoga started to become more well-liked in the West, especially in the US, in the 20th century. The efforts of yoga instructors and gurus like Swami Vivekananda, Paramahansa Yogananda, and B.K.S. Iyengar, who travelled to the West and popularised yoga among Westerners, were partly responsible for this. Millions of people worldwide now practise yoga, which has grown in popularity as a way to unwind and exercise. It is well known for its numerous health advantages, which include enhanced cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and balance, as well as its capacity to lessen stress, worry, and sadness.

Yoga is still a significant component of India's spiritual and cultural legacy. There are many yoga centres and ashrams across the nation, and it is taught in schools and colleges. To commemorate the widespread acceptance and significance of yoga, the Indian government designated June 21st as International Yoga Day in 2014. Over the course of its thousands-year history, yoga has undergone significant development and evolution in India, incorporating a variety of philosophical, religious, and cultural elements. Yoga is still widely practiced today and is a significant component of India's spiritual and cultural legacy.

Ancient Yogis of India

Yogis and other spiritual leaders have a long history in ancient India, and they have greatly influenced the spiritual and cultural legacy of the nation. These yogis were renowned for their profound understanding of spirituality, their proficiency in yoga and other spiritual disciplines, and their capacity to mentor and uplift others pursuing enlightenment.

Patanjali :The Yoga Sutras, one of the core books of yoga, are attributed to Patanjali, who is regarded as the father of yoga. Between the second century BCE to the fifth century CE, he is thought to have resided in India.

Swami Vivekananda: An Indian monk from the 19th century, Swami Vivekananda was instrumental in bringing yoga and Indian spirituality to the West. He established the Ramakrishna Mission, which still spreads the teachings of yoga and Vedanta today, and was a follower of the renowned Indian saint Ramakrishna.

Adi Shankara: Known for his commentary on the Vedas, the ancient Hindu texts, Adi Shankara was an Indian philosopher and theologian who lived in the eighth century. His teachings still have an impact on Hinduism and other Indian spiritual traditions today, and he is regarded as one of the greatest spiritual leaders in Indian history.

Mahavatar Babaji :In Indian spirituality, Mahavatar Babaji is a mythological character who is believed to have lived for centuries and attained enlightenment via yoga. He is frequently portrayed as a guru to other notable spiritual masters and yogis, such as Paramahansa Yogananda and Lahiri Mahasaya.

Swami Sivananda: The Divine Life Society was established by the 20th-century Indian yogi and spiritual teacher Swami Sivananda with the goal of advancing Vedanta and yoga teachings. He was well-known for stressing the need of karma yoga, or selfless service, as a way to advance spiritually.

These are but a handful of the several outstanding yogis from ancient India who have influenced the spiritual and cultural legacy of the nation. Millions of people worldwide are still motivated and impacted by their beliefs and methods today.

Best places for Yoga in India

India is credited with being the origin of yoga, and the nation is home to numerous yoga-famous locations. Top locations in India that are well-known for their yoga programs include the following:

Rshikesh: The "Yoga Capital of the World" is Rishikesh, which is situated in the Himalayan foothills. It draws yoga practitioners from all over the world and is home to numerous ashrams, yoga centres, and yoga schools. The International Yoga Festival, Sivananda Ashram, Parmarth Niketan, and Sanskar Yogashala are a few of the well-known yoga schools in Rishikesh. In addition, Rishikesh is home to numerous educational institutions offering a wide range of courses, the most well-liked of which being the Yoga Teacher Training Course in Rishikesh.

Mysore: Situated in the southern Karnataka state, Mysore is well-known for Ashtanga yoga, a traditional form of yoga. Students can learn this kind of yoga from some of the world's most seasoned instructors at the city's renowned Ashtanga Yoga Institute.

Kerala: Well-known for its tranquil backwaters and verdant surroundings, Kerala is a well-liked vacation spot for yoga practitioners. Numerous yoga centres and ashrams, including the Sivananda Ashram and the Amritapuri Ashram, are located in the state and provide teacher training courses and yoga retreats.

Goa: Known for its party culture and relaxed atmosphere, Goa is a well-liked beach resort in India. But it also has a number of yoga retreats and centres, including the Ashiyana Yoga Retreat, the Purple Valley Yoga Retreat and Diksha Yoga School. Additionally, yoga teacher training courses in Goa are becoming increasingly popular.

Dharamsala :The Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile reside in Dharamsala, which is in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. With a number of yoga schools and centres, including the Siddhi Yoga Dharamshala, the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre, and the Tushita Meditation Centre, the city is also well-known for its yoga services.

Varanasi :One of India's oldest and holiest towns, Varanasi is renowned for its spiritual and cultural importance. Numerous yoga schools and centres, including the Patanjali Yoga Centre and the International Yoga and Meditation Centre, are also located in the city.