Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, better known as B.K.S. Iyengar, was born on December 14, 1918, in the small village of Bellur in Karnataka, India. His childhood was far from easy, as he suffered from malnutrition and various illnesses such as tuberculosis, malaria, and typhoid fever. It was due to these health struggles that he was introduced to the practice of yoga at a young age.
At the invitation of his brother-in-law, the renowned yogi Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, Iyengar began practicing yoga as a means of improving his health. Little did he know that this introduction would shape the rest of his life and establish him as one of the most influential yoga teachers in the world.
As Iyengar delved deeper into the practice of yoga, he began to see significant improvements in his health and well-being. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the study and practice of yoga, eventually becoming a disciple of Sri Krishnamacharya.
His dedication and passion for yoga led him to develop his own unique style of yoga, which came to be known as Iyengar Yoga. This style of yoga emphasizes precision, alignment, and the use of props to assist in the practice of asanas (poses). Iyengar's teachings attracted students from all over the world, earning him a reputation as one of the most distinguished yoga teachers of his time.
Aside from his work as a yoga teacher, Iyengar was also a dedicated philanthropist. He donated generously to various causes, including the Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysore, India. His contributions helped to support conservation efforts and improve the lives of animals in captivity.
Throughout his life, Iyengar wrote several books on yoga, outlining his philosophy and practice for future generations to learn from. He was a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2014.
With his wife Ramamani, Iyengar raised a large family, including one son and five daughters. Two of his children, Prashant and Geeta, followed in his footsteps and became world-famous yoga teachers in their own right. Iyengar's influence on the world of yoga continues to be felt today, with countless practitioners and teachers inspired by his dedication and teachings.
Among Iyengar's many students was the renowned violinist Yehudi Menuhin, who credited Iyengar with transforming his life through the practice of yoga. Iyengar's teachings have left a lasting impact on the world of yoga, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest yoga teachers of all time.