Yoga guru B K S Iyengar passes away in Pune

Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, arguably the greatest Yogacharya of our time, passes into the ages.

B K S Iyengar, the world-renowned yoga guru and founder of the Iyengar School of Yoga, passed away early on Wednesday morning. He would have been 96 on December 14.

Iyengar, who had been ailing for some time, was admitted to a hospital in Pune a week ago. He was put on dialysis after his condition worsened two days ago. He breathed his last at 3.15 am.

Iyengar, honoured with Padma Vibhushan, is survived by a son and daughter.

The legendary yoga guru was admitted to hospital on August 12 following complaints of acute breathlessness and palpitation, Dr Deepali Mande, who attended on him, said. "He did not want to be admitted to hospital even though he was unwell at home for almost three weeks. Iyengar had a cardiac (ailment) history. His condition subsequently worsened, leading to renal failure after which he was put on dialysis," Dr Mande said.

Iyengar, considered one of the foremost yoga teachers in the world, wrote many books on yoga and philosophy including Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama, and Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death, saying, 'I am deeply saddened to know about Yogacharya B K S Iyengar's demise and offer my condolences to his followers all over the world.'

'Generations will remember Shri B K S Iyengar as a fine guru, scholar and a stalwart who brought yoga into the lives of many across the world,' Modi, who does yoga every morning, added.

Iyengar was credited with spreading yoga to about 60 countries. The Yogacharya, who was active till the end through his Iyengar Institute of Yoga, had a huge following of disciples within and outside India.

Born on December 14, 1918 at Bellur in Karnataka, he came to Pune in Maharashtra in 1937 and after spreading the knowledge of yoga, set up the Yogavidya institute in 1975.

Among those whom he introduced to yoga were Socialist leader Jayprakash Narayan, philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti and the renowned violinist Yehudi Menuhin.

Always full of life and energy that betrayed his advanced age, Iyengar evinced keen interest in art, dance and theatre as also in cricket. All branches of the Iyengar Yoga Institute in the city were closed on Wednesday following the news of his demise.