# B. K. S. Iyengar

> Indian yoga teacher and scholar (1918–2014)

**Wikidata**: [Q557185](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q557185)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._K._S._Iyengar)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/b-k-s-iyengar

## Summary

B. K. S. Iyengar (1918–2014) was an Indian yoga teacher and scholar renowned for developing Iyengar Yoga, a globally influential form of Hatha yoga emphasizing precision, alignment, and the use of props. He was one of the most widely recognized yoga masters in the world, authoring the seminal book "Light on Yoga" and receiving India's second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan. His systematic approach to yoga practice and teaching transformed yoga from a spiritual practice into a globally accessible discipline practiced by millions.

## Biography

- **Born**: December 14, 1918
- **Died**: August 20, 2014
- **Nationality**: Indian
- **Full Name**: Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar (ಬೆಳ್ಳೂರ್ ಕೃಷ್ಣಮಾಚಾರ್ ಸುಂದರರಾಜ ಐಯಂಗಾರ್)
- **Known for**: Creating Iyengar Yoga, a form of Hatha yoga; authoring "Light on Yoga"
- **Field(s)**: Yoga instruction, yoga scholarship
- **Website**: http://www.bksiyengar.com/
- **Occupation**: Yoga teacher, scholar, writer
- **Citizenship**: India

## Contributions

B. K. S. Iyengar developed Iyengar Yoga, a distinctive style of Hatha yoga characterized by precise alignment of the body, methodical progression through asanas (poses), and the innovative use of props such as belts, blocks, and ropes to make poses accessible to practitioners of all levels. He authored "Light on Yoga" (1966), widely considered the definitive text on yoga asanas, which has been translated into numerous languages and remains a foundational reference for yoga teachers worldwide. His approach emphasized the therapeutic benefits of yoga and systematically codified the teaching methodology that bears his name. He founded the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India, which continues to train certified Iyengar Yoga teachers globally.

## FAQs

**What is Iyengar Yoga?**
Iyengar Yoga is a form of Hatha yoga developed by B. K. S. Iyengar, known for its emphasis on precise anatomical alignment and the use of props to help students achieve correct positioning in asanas.

**What awards did B. K. S. Iyengar receive?**
B. K. S. Iyengar received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, and the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award.

**What is B. K. S. Iyengar's most famous book?**
His most famous book is "Light on Yoga," published in 1966, which is considered a comprehensive guide to yoga asanas and remains a standard reference in yoga instruction.

**Where did B. K. S. Iyengar teach?**
He taught primarily at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India, which he founded, though he conducted workshops and trained teachers globally.

**What is B. K. S. Iyengar's legacy?**
His legacy includes the global propagation of Iyengar Yoga through a network of certified teachers, the standardization of yoga teaching methodology, and the democratization of yoga practice through his use of props to make poses accessible to people of varying physical abilities.

## Notable For

- Developer of Iyengar Yoga, a globally practiced style of Hatha yoga
- Author of "Light on Yoga" (1966), the definitive text on yoga asanas
- Recipient of the Padma Vibhushan (India's second-highest civilian award)
- Recipient of the Padma Bhushan (India's third-highest civilian award)
- Founder of the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune
- Pioneered the use of props in yoga instruction to enhance accessibility
- Taught and certified thousands of yoga teachers worldwide

## Body

### Early Life and Background

B. K. S. Iyengar was born Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar on December 14, 1918, in India during the period of British Raj rule. He grew up in India before the country gained independence on August 15, 1947, living through the transition from British colonial rule to the Dominion of India and eventually the Republic of India. His birth name in Kannada script is ಬೆಳ್ಳೂರ್ ಕೃಷ್ಣಮಾಚಾರ್ ಸುಂದರರಾಜ ಐಯಂಗಾರ್.

### Development of Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar's most significant contribution to yoga was the development of Iyengar Yoga, a form of Hatha yoga that emphasizes the precise alignment of the body in each asana (posture). His approach revolutionized yoga teaching by introducing systematic methods and the innovative use of props such as belts, blocks, blankets, and ropes. These props allowed practitioners of all ages and physical conditions to achieve proper alignment and benefit from poses that might otherwise be inaccessible. The methodology he created focuses on the structural integrity of the body and the therapeutic benefits of yoga practice.

### Literary Contributions

B. K. S. Iyengar authored several influential books on yoga, with "Light on Yoga" (1966) being the most renowned. This comprehensive work systematically documents hundreds of yoga poses with detailed instructions and photographs, serving as a reference for yoga practitioners and teachers worldwide. His writings helped standardize yoga terminology and teaching methods, contributing to the global spread of yoga as a discipline accessible beyond traditional contexts.

### The Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute

He founded the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India, named after his late wife. The institute serves as the primary training center for Iyengar Yoga teachers and continues his legacy through teacher certification programs. The institute maintains rigorous standards for certification, ensuring the preservation and propagation of his methodology.

### Recognition and Awards

B. K. S. Iyengar received India's Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, recognizing his significant contributions to yoga and Indian cultural heritage. He also received the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award. These honors reflect the national and international recognition of his work in popularizing yoga and establishing it as a respected discipline.

### Global Influence

Through his teaching, writings, and the network of certified Iyengar Yoga teachers, B. K. S. Iyengar influenced millions of practitioners worldwide. His approach made yoga more accessible to Western audiences while maintaining the traditional roots of the practice. He conducted workshops and demonstrations internationally, establishing Iyengar Yoga as one of the most widely practiced styles globally.

### Personal Life and Passing

B. K. S. Iyengar was married to Ramamani, after whom the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute is named. He passed away on August 20, 2014, leaving behind a global legacy in yoga instruction and a worldwide network of certified teachers continuing his methodology.

### Identifier Information

His works are catalogued in numerous international databases, including the Library of Congress (LCCN: n81012084), the Virtual Library of the Library of Congress (vtls000043104), and various national libraries. His Wikidata identifier is /m/02sn8g, and he is documented in multiple authority files including the Gemeinsame Normdatei (GND: 123472563) and the Library of Congress Name Authority File (LCNAF: n96101389).

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. datos.bne.es
4. [Source](https://pib.gov.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=102735)
5. CiNii Research
6. Integrated Authority File
7. Find a Grave
8. Babelio
9. [Результаты поискаВсе результатыYoga guru BKS Iyengar passes away](http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Yoga-guru-BKS-Iyengar-passes-away/articleshow/40462779.cms)
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
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