Legacy of Iyengars

B.K.S. Iyengar (1918–2014)

B.K.S. Iyengar, born on December 14, 1918, in Bellur, India, was a pioneering yoga teacher who founded the Iyengar Yoga style. He faced numerous health challenges in his childhood, including tuberculosis and malnutrition. At 15, he began studying under T. Krishnamacharya, which marked the beginning of his lifelong dedication to yoga. He authored the influential book Light on Yoga (1966) and introduced the use of props in yoga practice, making it accessible to practitioners of all levels. Iyengar played a crucial role in bringing yoga to the West, notably through his association with violinist Yehudi Menuhin. He established the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune in honor of his wife, Ramamani, and continued to teach until shortly before his death on August 20, 2014

Geeta S. Iyengar (1944–2018)

Geeta Iyengar, the eldest daughter of B.K.S. Iyengar, was a prominent yoga teacher known for her expertise in women's yoga. She began her yoga training at a young age and contributed significantly to the dissemination of Iyengar Yoga principles. Geeta authored several books, including Yoga: A Gem for Women, and was recognized for her ability to teach complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner. She played a vital role in the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute and continued to teach internationally until her passing in 2018.

Prashant Iyengar

Prashant Iyengar, the only son of B.K.S. Iyengar, is also a highly respected teacher of Iyengar Yoga. He has been instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the Iyengar Yoga tradition and has authored various books on yoga philosophy. Prashant serves as the director of the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, where he teaches and oversees the training of new instructors. His teachings often emphasize the philosophical aspects of yoga, encouraging practitioners to explore the deeper meanings behind the practice.

Sunita Iyengar

Sunita Iyengar is the daughter of B.K.S. Iyengar, She is a respected yoga teacher in her own right and has been deeply involved in the practice and teaching of yoga, following in her father's footsteps. Sunita has played a significant role in spreading the teachings of Iyengar Yoga. She has conducted workshops and classes worldwide, emphasizing the precision, discipline, and therapeutic aspects of the practice, which are hallmarks of Iyengar Yoga. She often incorporates her father's teachings, focusing on the alignment of the body, the use of props, and the importance of breath control. Sunita is known for her dedication to maintaining the integrity of Iyengar Yoga and continues to be an important figure within the Iyengar Yoga community

Other Family Members

B.K.S. Iyengar had five other daughters: Vanita, Suchita, , and Savita, who have varying degrees of involvement in yoga. While they may not be as publicly recognized as Geeta and Prashant, the entire family has contributed to the legacy of Iyengar Yoga, ensuring its principles and practices continue to thrive globally.

Sunita has played a significant role in spreading the teachings of Iyengar Yoga. She has conducted workshops and classes worldwide, emphasizing the precision, discipline, and therapeutic aspects of the practice, which are hallmarks of Iyengar Yoga. She often incorporates her father’s teachings, focusing on the alignment of the body, the use of props, and the importance of breath control.

Sunita is known for her dedication to maintaining the integrity of Iyengar Yoga and continues to be an important figure within the Iyengar Yoga community.