History of Yoga: The history of yoga in India is rich and ancient, with roots dating back thousands of years. Yoga is a spiritual, mental, and physical discipline that originated in ancient India and has since spread across the world. It encompasses various practices, including physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, and ethical principles. The origins of yoga can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which existed around 3000 BCE. Archaeological excavations have unearthed seals and artifacts depicting figures in yoga-like postures, suggesting that early forms of yoga were practiced during this time. Moreover, it is said that Yoga was developed as a part of the Tantric Civilisation which existed in India and all parts of the world more than 10000 years ago. In archeological excavations made in the Indus Valley and Harappa and Mahenjodaro, now in Pakistan many statues have been found depicting the deities resembling Lord Shiva and Parvati performing various Asanas and practising meditation. These ruins were once the dwelling place of people who lived in the pre-vedic age before the Aryan civilisation started to flourish tradition. Shiva is said to be the founder of Yoga and Parvati, is his first disciple. Moreover, if we look back to Bhagwat Gita, Lord Krishna said "He taught the original Yoga first to Vivasvan, the Sun God, who passed it on to Manu, the primal human sage, who is called the son of the Sun. Krishna states: I taught this imperishable Yoga to Vivasvan (the Sun God). Vivasvan taught it to Manu (the first king and law giver). The earliest written records of yoga are found in the ancient Indian scriptures known as the Vedas, which were written between 1500 and 500 BCE. The Vedas contain hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings, including references to yogic practices. The Upanishads, which are philosophical texts associated with the Vedas, further elaborate on the spiritual aspects of yoga and its connection to self-realization and liberation.

1. ORIGIN OF
YOGA, TYPES
AND
BENEFITS
History of Yoga:
The history of yoga in India is rich and ancient, with roots dating back thousands of years.
Yoga is a spiritual, mental, and physical discipline that originated in ancient India and has
since spread across the world. It encompasses various practices, including physical
postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, and ethical principles.
The origins of yoga can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which existed around
3000 BCE. Archaeological excavations have unearthed seals and artifacts depicting figures
in yoga-like postures, suggesting that early forms of yoga were practiced during this time.
Moreover, it is said that Yoga was developed as a part of the Tantric Civilisation which
existed in India and all parts of the world more than 10000 years ago. In archeological
excavations made in the Indus Valley and Harappa and Mahenjodaro, now in Pakistan many
statues have been found depicting the deities resembling Lord Shiva and Parvati performing
various Asanas and practising meditation. These ruins were once the dwelling place of
people who lived in the pre-vedic age before the Aryan civilisation started to flourish
tradition. Shiva is said to be the founder of Yoga and Parvati, is his first disciple. Moreover, if
we look back to Bhagwat Gita, Lord Krishna said "He taught the original Yoga first to
Vivasvan, the Sun God, who passed it on to Manu, the primal human sage, who is called the

2. son of the Sun. Krishna states: I taught this imperishable Yoga to Vivasvan (the Sun God).
Vivasvan taught it to Manu (the first king and law giver).
The earliest written records of yoga are found in the ancient Indian scriptures known as the
Vedas, which were written between 1500 and 500 BCE. The Vedas contain hymns, rituals,
and philosophical teachings, including references to yogic practices. The Upanishads, which
are philosophical texts associated with the Vedas, further elaborate on the spiritual aspects
of yoga and its connection to self-realization and liberation.
One of the most important yogic texts is the Bhagavad Gita, a part of the Indian epic, the
Mahabharata, which was composed around 400 BCE. The Bhagavad Gita presents yoga as
a path to self-realization and emphasizes the importance of balancing one's duties and
responsibilities with spiritual practice.
Another significant text is the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, written by the sage Patanjali around
the 2nd century BCE. This text is considered the foundational text of classical yoga and
provides a systematic and philosophical framework for understanding and practicing yoga.
Patanjali's Yoga Sutras describe the eight limbs of yoga, known as Ashtanga yoga, which
include ethical principles, physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.
Over the centuries, yoga continued to evolve and develop in India. It was traditionally
transmitted orally from teacher to student within specific lineages and schools. Various
branches of yoga emerged, including Hatha Yoga, which emphasizes physical postures and
breath control, and Raja Yoga, which focuses on meditation and mental control.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, yoga gained renewed attention in India due to the
efforts of yoga pioneers such as Swami Vivekananda and Sri Paramahansa Yogananda
(Kriya Yoga). They introduced yoga to the Western world, sparking interest and leading to its
global dissemination.
In the 20th century, several influential yoga masters and gurus emerged in India, including
Swami Sivananda, Sri Krishnamacharya, B.K.S. Iyengar, and Swami Satyananda Saraswati.
These individuals played significant roles in popularizing and teaching yoga, both in India
and internationally.
Today, yoga has become a global phenomenon, practiced by millions of people worldwide. It
is recognized for its physical and mental health benefits and is often used as a means of

3. stress reduction, relaxation, and personal development. Now, let us learn and perform for
your well being from a qualified Techer (GURU).