Sage Patanjali is widely honored as the Father of Yoga, the great master who systematized and compiled the Yoga Sutras — a foundational text that continues to guide spiritual seekers and practitioners even today. Believed to have lived between 200 BCE and 200 CE, Patanjali is regarded as one of the greatest Yoga philosophers and teachers in Indian history.
Although the essence of yoga had already appeared across various ancient Hindu scriptures, it was Patanjali who organized these scattered teachings into a coherent framework that could be understood and practiced by all. His Yoga Sutras distilled centuries of wisdom into concise and practical aphorisms, laying out a clear path to self-realization and liberation.
Divine Origins and Symbolism
In Hindu tradition, Sage Patanjali is considered an incarnation of Ananta Shesha, the thousand-headed serpent and cosmic energy that supports Lord Vishnu. Because of this divine association, many Yogis still bow down to Ananta Shesha before beginning their daily practice, invoking his wisdom and grace.
Patanjali is said to be a “Swayambhu”, or self-born sage — a soul so evolved that he chose to take human form for the upliftment of humanity. Ancient scriptures also mention him among the 26 mythical divine serpents, linking his spiritual power directly to the eternal cosmic principles.
Scholar, Philosopher, and Master of Three Fields
While Patanjali is most famous for his Yoga Sutras, he is also credited with significant contributions to Sanskrit grammar and Ayurveda, forming what is often called the “Patanjali Trinity” — Yoga, Grammar, and Medicine.
- Mahabhashya (The Great Commentary)
Written around the 2nd century BCE, Mahabhashya is Patanjali’s brilliant commentary on Panini’s Ashtadhyayi, the definitive text on Sanskrit grammar. This work refined linguistic philosophy and elevated Sanskrit to its most precise form. - Carakavarttika (Commentary on Charaka Samhita)
Believed to have been written between the 8th and 10th centuries CE, this commentary reflects deep insights into Ayurveda, India’s ancient medical science. While the timeline seems inconsistent across centuries, many traditions regard Patanjali as a divine being who transcended ordinary time.
The connection among these three works — Yoga, Grammar, and Medicine — symbolizes Patanjali’s holistic approach to purification: Yoga purifies the mind, Grammar purifies speech, and Ayurveda purifies the body.
A Verse of Reverence
The 11th-century king and scholar Bhoja Raja, in his commentary Rajamartanda (The Royal Sun), beautifully expressed this triadic connection in a verse that has been passed down through generations:
“I bow with folded hands to Patanjali, the best of sages,
who removed the impurities of the mind through Yoga,
the impurities of speech through Grammar,
and the impurities of the body through Medicine.
To him, whose upper body is human and who holds a conch and a wheel,
whose complexion is white and who has a thousand heads —
to that divine Patanjali, I offer my obeisance.”
This sacred invocation is often recited before Yoga practice as a mark of respect and gratitude.
The Yoga Sutras: Path to Liberation
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, also known as the Yoga Darshanam, contain 195 concise aphorisms — each a profound insight into the human mind and spirit. These sutras explain not only the philosophy of Yoga but also its systematic practice for achieving moksha, or liberation.
Central to Patanjali’s teachings is the concept of the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, which together form a roadmap for self-mastery:
- Yama – Ethical restraints
- Niyama – Personal observances
- Asana – Physical postures
- Pranayama – Breath control
- Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the senses
- Dharana – Concentration
- Dhyana – Meditation
- Samadhi – Complete absorption or enlightenment
Through disciplined practice of these eight steps, one transcends the distractions of the mind and attains inner stillness — the true goal of Yoga.
Legacy of a Timeless Sage
Sage Patanjali’s impact extends far beyond the realm of Yoga. His works represent the unity of body, speech, and mind — a harmony that remains relevant in today’s fast-paced world. To this day, Patanjali’s teachings remind us that Yoga is not just a physical exercise, but a science of inner transformation. It is an art of controlling the mind, cleansing the spirit, and realizing our divine potential.
Through the wisdom of Patanjali, humanity continues to discover the balance between thought, word, and action — and the eternal path to liberation.
