P.V.Anandpadmanabhan

Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, the greatest Yogacharya of ages passed away at a city hospital in Pune early on  August 20.

The 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 history of cardiac ailment.

His condition subsequently worsened, leading to renal failure after which he was put on dialysis two days ago," Dr Mande said. He breathed his last at 3.15 AM.

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

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. ‘Posterity 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.

BKS Iyengar born on December 14, 1918 at Bellur in Karnataka, was the world-renowned yoga guru and founder of the Iyengar School of Yoga, who wrote many books on yoga and philosophy. 

He was a legend who taught yoga in unique way to many. He found the meaning of the yoga sutras by his practical search and regular practice of yoga. Thus, he helped all to experience the wisdom of the yoga sutras. His style of teaching yoga was called "Iyengar Yoga" and is now being followed by certified teachers across the world. 

At the age of 16, he was introduced to yoga by his Guru Sri T. Krishnamacharya. At the age of 18, he was sent to Pune, Maharashtra by his guru to teach and preach yoga as he knew little English. Thus he missed opportunity to learn about yoga directly from his guru. 

In 1943, he married Ramamani who was sixteen year old. She and her family supported Guruji. Both the children, Geetaji and Prashantji, were supporting Guruji in teaching Iyengar Yoga till his demise. Guruji's practice and teachings were well appreciated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad (First President of India), Dr. Mohammad Hatta (ex-Vice President of Indonesia), Pope Paul VI and also by other eminent personalities from different countries. 

On January 26, 1973, Guruji laid the foundation of Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, named after his wife Smt. Ramamani Iyengar. The institute was inaugurated on January 19, 1975.

BKS Iyengar was the first person to teach large group of students. He lays great emphasis on precision and alignment which is followed by his students. He gets students to perform and break barriers. He brings about an automatic transformation in the mind and habits of people.

Iyengar was the only person to teach the highest aspects of yoga – Atma Darshan – self-realization, through asanas. He has taught several famous personalities. Iyengar was credited with spreading yoga in about 60 countries.

Even at the age of 95, he used to practice yoga. While in practice, he was an artist at work. He was always at ease in any posture he performed. Precision and beauty mark the asanas, and the regular practice he advocates integrates the body, mind and emotions. The foremost Yoga teacher in the world departs leaving memories to stay forever.