Who Developed Ashtanga Yoga? The Story of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and the Evolution of a Global Practice
Ashtanga Yoga is one of the most structured and influential yoga systems in the world. Known for its set sequences, breath-synchronized movement (vinyasa), and disciplined practice, it has transformed the way modern yoga is taught and practiced. But who developed Ashtanga Yoga?
The modern Ashtanga Yoga system was developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the 1930s in Mysore, India. His teachings, based on the guidance of his guru Sri T. Krishnamacharya and the lost manuscript known as the Yoga Korunta, formed the foundation of what is now a globally practiced yoga tradition.
In this article, we’ll explore the life of Pattabhi Jois, the influence of Krishnamacharya, and the historical development of Ashtanga Yoga into the practice we know today.
The Origins: Who Was Sri K. Pattabhi Jois?
Early Life and Studies
Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois was born in 1915 in Kowshika, Karnataka, India. At the age of 12, he attended a yoga demonstration led by Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, a legendary yoga master who later became his teacher.
Fascinated by the practice, Jois became Krishnamacharya’s dedicated student, studying under him for many years. During this time, Krishnamacharya introduced Jois to the teachings of an ancient text called the Yoga Korunta, which outlined a dynamic system of postures linked by breath—an early version of what we now call Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.
Formalizing the Ashtanga System
In 1937, Krishnamacharya sent Jois to teach at the Sanskrit College in Mysore, where Jois continued to refine and develop the Ashtanga system. By 1948, Jois had established the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute (AYRI) in Lakshmipuram, Mysore, where he formally began teaching the method to students.
This was the beginning of modern Ashtanga Yoga—a structured system of set sequences, breath control (Pranayama), and energetic locks (Bandhas).
The Influence of Sri T. Krishnamacharya
While Pattabhi Jois is credited with developing Ashtanga Yoga as we know it today, much of his knowledge came from his teacher, Krishnamacharya.
Who Was Krishnamacharya?
Sri T. Krishnamacharya (1888–1989) is often called the "Father of Modern Yoga." He was a master of traditional Hatha Yoga, Sanskrit, and Ayurveda, and his teachings shaped many of today’s most popular yoga styles, including Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Iyengar Yoga.
Krishnamacharya claimed to have learned the Ashtanga system from the Yoga Korunta, a manuscript believed to contain sequences of postures, breath control techniques, and meditative practices. However, the manuscript was reportedly lost, making it impossible to verify its contents.
Despite this, Krishnamacharya’s teachings provided the foundation for Pattabhi Jois’ Ashtanga Yoga system, which emphasized:
A set sequence of postures that build progressively in difficulty.
Breath-synchronized movement (vinyasa) to create a meditative flow.
A six-day-a-week practice to cultivate discipline and progress.
Without Krishnamacharya, the system of Ashtanga Yoga would not exist as we know it today.
The Structure of Ashtanga Yoga as Developed by Pattabhi Jois
Pattabhi Jois structured Ashtanga Yoga into six progressive series:
Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa – Yoga Therapy) – Focuses on detoxifying the body and building a strong foundation.
Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana – Nerve Purification) – Works on cleansing the nervous system.
Advanced Series (Sthira Bhaga – Strength & Grace A, B, C, and D) – Requires extreme strength, flexibility, and mental focus.
Each series follows a set sequence of postures, emphasizing breath (Ujjayi), gaze (Drishti), and energy locks (Bandhas) to deepen the practice.
This structured system became the hallmark of Ashtanga Yoga, setting it apart from other yoga styles.
How Ashtanga Yoga Spread Worldwide
For many years, Ashtanga Yoga was only taught in Mysore, India, but this changed in the 1970s when Western students began traveling to study under Pattabhi Jois. Some of the key figures who helped popularize Ashtanga Yoga globally include:
David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff – The first Western students to study with Pattabhi Jois in the 1970s, introducing Ashtanga to the U.S.
Richard Freeman, Eddie Stern, and Tim Miller – Early pioneers of Ashtanga in the West.
Sharath Jois – Pattabhi Jois’ grandson, who continued to lead the tradition after his passing.
By the 1990s and 2000s, Ashtanga Yoga had become a global phenomenon, influencing styles like Power Yoga and Vinyasa Flow Yoga.
The Legacy of Pattabhi Jois and the Future of Ashtanga Yoga
Pattabhi Jois passed away in 2009, but his legacy continues through his grandson, Sharath Jois, and the Sharath Yoga Centre (formerly KPJAYI) in Mysore.
However, the Ashtanga community faced a major loss in November 2024 with the passing of Sharath Jois at the age of 53. His unexpected death left the world of Ashtanga Yoga in shock and mourning, and the community has been slowly finding its path forward.
Despite these challenges, Ashtanga Yoga remains one of the most respected and widely practiced yoga traditions. Thousands of students still travel to Mysore each year, and teachers worldwide continue to uphold the tradition.
While the core sequences remain unchanged, the way Ashtanga is taught continues to evolve, with more focus on accessibility, injury prevention, and mindfulness.
Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Ashtanga Yoga
The modern system of Ashtanga Yoga was developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the 1930s in Mysore, India, under the influence of his teacher Sri T. Krishnamacharya. What began as a traditional Indian practice has now become a global movement, shaping modern yoga as we know it.
Although Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Jois are no longer with us, their teachings live on through dedicated practitioners and teachers who continue to preserve and adapt the Ashtanga system.
For those looking to explore Ashtanga Yoga deeply, understanding its historical roots and disciplined practice is essential to experiencing its full transformative power.
Want to Learn Ashtanga from Anywhere?
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