Who Was Patañjali?

Patañjali, one of the greatest yoga teachers of all time and the father of yogic philosophy, is credited with writing the Yoga Sūtras—a foundational text that guides the practical and philosophical principles of yoga.

Historically, Patañjali likely lived between 500 and 200 BCE, though much of what we know about him is rooted in legend. He is considered a svayambhū—a soul who chose to incarnate voluntarily in order to help humanity. Patañjali took on human form, experienced life’s joys and sorrows, and learned how to transcend them. Around 2,000 years ago, he composed the Yoga Sūtras, describing the paths to overcoming the pain of the body and the turbulence of the mind—both seen as key obstacles to spiritual growth.

B.K.S. Iyengar said that every word in the Sūtras is like a drop of rain forming a lake—each word contains immense thought and experience, and together they form a complete whole.

The Mythical Story of Patañjali: The Being Behind Yogic Wisdom

Part One: The Divine Dance of Shiva

According to one legend, the god Vishnu was seated upon Ādiśeṣa, the king of serpents, who served as his divine couch, while watching the magnificent cosmic dance of Shiva. Vishnu was so captivated by the dance that his body began to vibrate with its rhythm. As a result, Vishnu’s body grew heavier and heavier, to the point that Ādiśeṣa, who was supporting him, struggled to breathe and nearly collapsed. When the dance ended, Vishnu’s body returned to its original lightness. Astonished by the sudden change, Ādiśeṣa asked Vishnu to explain, and Vishnu told him that the beauty, power, and majesty of Shiva’s dance had stirred his entire being, making him heavy.

Part Two: Ādiśeṣa’s Desire to Learn the Dance

Deeply moved by Shiva’s dance, Ādiśeṣa expressed his wish to learn this sacred art himself, so that he might honor Shiva and bring joy to Vishnu. After thoughtful consideration, Vishnu agreed that Ādiśeṣa could approach Shiva to request instruction in the art of dance. Shiva consented, but on one condition: that Ādiśeṣa must first write a commentary on Sanskrit grammar. Only then would he be allowed to study the divine dance. Filled with joy, Ādiśeṣa began to meditate, seeking the right time and form to take human birth and fulfill his purpose.

Part Three: A Mother on Earth

During his meditation, Ādiśeṣa envisioned a yogini named Gonikā. At that time, her life was nearing its end, and she prayed to the sun god for a worthy son to whom she could pass on her knowledge and wisdom.

Part Four: The Birth of Patañjali

One day, Gonikā took a handful of water in her palms as an offering to the sun, dedicating to it all the insight and experience she had gathered. She entered deep meditation, merging her heart with the sun. When she opened her eyes and looked down at her cupped hands, she saw a tiny serpent moving within them, which soon transformed into a small human figure. The small figure bowed to Gonikā and asked to be accepted as her son. Gonikā agreed and named him Patañjali, because he had “fallen” (pat) from the heavens into her hands, which were in a prayer (añjali) position.