Where Was Ashtanga Yoga Invented? A Look at Its Origins in Mysore, India
Ashtanga Yoga is one of the most structured and disciplined forms of yoga, known for its set sequences, breath control, and dynamic movement. But where was Ashtanga Yoga invented, and how did it develop into the global practice we know today?
The modern system of Ashtanga Yoga was created in Mysore, India, in the 1930s by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, under the influence of his teacher, Sri T. Krishnamacharya. While its roots trace back to ancient yogic traditions, Mysore remains the spiritual and historical home of Ashtanga Yoga.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Ashtanga Yoga, its development in Mysore, and how it spread to become a worldwide practice.
Mysore, India: The Birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga
Mysore, a city in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, is widely recognized as the birthplace of modern Ashtanga Yoga. This city has a deep cultural and historical connection to yoga, housing many of India’s most renowned yogic institutions.
The origins of Ashtanga Yoga in Mysore are closely tied to Sri Krishnamacharya, a yoga master who played a pivotal role in reviving and systematizing yoga practice in the 20th century. In 1931, Krishnamacharya was invited by the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, to teach yoga at the newly established Yoga Shala (Yoga School) at the Mysore Palace.
This royal patronage helped establish Mysore as a center for yoga education. It was here that Krishnamacharya taught Pattabhi Jois, who would later develop Ashtanga Yoga into the structured system that is practiced worldwide today.
The Influence of the Yoga Korunta Manuscript
Pattabhi Jois claimed that the Ashtanga system was based on an ancient manuscript called the Yoga Korunta, which contained descriptions of sequences, breathing techniques (pranayama), and energetic locks (bandhas). This text was said to have been passed down orally for generations before Krishnamacharya discovered it in a library in Calcutta.
Although the original manuscript has been lost, Pattabhi Jois used its teachings to codify Ashtanga Yoga into six series of progressive postures, setting the foundation for modern practice.
Pattabhi Jois and the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute
In 1948, Pattabhi Jois established the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute (AYRI) in Lakshmipuram, Mysore, to teach his method to students. The institute became the epicenter of Ashtanga Yoga, attracting both Indian and Western students who wanted to study under his guidance.
From the small Mysore school, Ashtanga Yoga began spreading globally, with students from around the world traveling to India to learn the practice firsthand.
By the 1970s and 1980s, Mysore had gained an international reputation as the heart of Ashtanga Yoga, and Pattabhi Jois continued teaching there until his passing in 2009.
Today, Mysore remains a pilgrimage destination for Ashtanga practitioners, who travel there to study at the Sharath Yoga Centre (formerly KPJAYI) under Pattabhi Jois' grandson, Sharath Jois.
Why Mysore Remains the Spiritual Home of Ashtanga Yoga
Even though Ashtanga Yoga has spread worldwide, Mysore remains the heart of the tradition. Here’s why:
It’s where Ashtanga Yoga was systematized by Pattabhi Jois in the 1930s.
The Mysore-style practice method (self-paced learning under teacher supervision) originated there.
The Sharath Yoga Centre (formerly KPJAYI) continues to train dedicated practitioners and teachers.
Generations of students have traveled to Mysore to study, preserving the tradition.
Practicing Ashtanga in Mysore is considered a rite of passage for serious students who want to experience the teachings at their source.
How Ashtanga Yoga Spread from Mysore to the World
Ashtanga Yoga remained relatively unknown outside of India until the 1970s, when Western students began traveling to Mysore to study under Pattabhi Jois. Some of the key figures who helped bring Ashtanga Yoga to the global stage include:
David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff – The first Western students to learn Ashtanga in Mysore, introducing it to the U.S. in the 1970s.
Richard Freeman, Eddie Stern, and Tim Miller – Pioneers in expanding Ashtanga's reach in the West.
Sharath Jois – Pattabhi Jois' grandson, who continued teaching and leading the tradition until his passing in 2024.
Over the years, Ashtanga Yoga has evolved, but Mysore remains the spiritual and historical heart of the practice, with thousands of students visiting every year.
Final Thoughts: Mysore as the Home of Ashtanga Yoga
While yoga has ancient roots across India, modern Ashtanga Yoga was systematized and developed in Mysore in the early 20th century. Thanks to the teachings of Krishnamacharya and Pattabhi Jois, Mysore became the global center for Ashtanga Yoga, a status it continues to hold today.
For those who wish to deepen their practice and connect with Ashtanga’s origins, visiting Mysore remains an important milestone. Whether practicing at the Sharath Yoga Centre or simply absorbing the city's yogic energy, Mysore offers an authentic experience that continues to inspire practitioners worldwide.
Want to Learn Ashtanga from Anywhere?
If you can’t travel to Mysore but still want to experience authentic Ashtanga teaching, join our Flow With Us membership! Gain access to:
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Join Flow With Us today! and bring the spirit of Mysore into your practice—wherever you are.
