Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar (1918–2014), better known as B.K.S. Iyengar, was a legendary master who transformed the practice of yoga from a niche ancient tradition into a global phenomenon. As the founder of the Iyengar Yoga method, he is credited with making the practice accessible to millions through his emphasis on precision, alignment, and the innovative use of props.

Born into a poor family in Bellur, India, Iyengar’s early years were defined by severe frailty. During his childhood, he suffered from malaria, typhoid, and tuberculosis, which left him physically weak with a bleak prognosis. His life took a dramatic turn at age 15 when he was sent to Mysore to live with his brother-in-law, the renowned yogi T. Krishnamacharya. Under Krishnamacharya’s strict and demanding tutelage, Iyengar practiced with ferocious dedication to regain his health, eventually mastering the art and overcoming his physical limitations.

A pivotal moment in his career occurred in 1952 when he met the world-famous violinist Yehudi Menuhin. Menuhin, who was suffering from muscular tension and sleep issues, found immediate relief through Iyengar’s instruction. This partnership launched Iyengar’s international teaching career, bringing him to Europe and the United States, where he taught a diverse array of students ranging from Queen Elisabeth of Belgium to Aldous Huxley.

Iyengar’s unique contribution was his realization that not every student possessed the flexibility or strength to perform traditional postures safely. He pioneered the use of props—such as belts, blocks, and blankets—which allowed students of all ages and physical conditions to experience the benefits of yoga without strain. This democratic approach to the practice ensured that yoga was no longer reserved for the young or the athletic.

In 1966, he published his seminal work, Light on Yoga. Featuring over 600 photographs of Iyengar demonstrating postures with perfect form, the book became an international bestseller and remains the definitive guide for practitioners worldwide. Later, in 1975, he established the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India, dedicated to the memory of his late wife. It was at this institute that he personally mentored generations of senior teachers, including Jaki Nett, who traveled to Pune repeatedly to study under his direct guidance.

His impact on global culture was formally recognized in 2004 when Time magazine named him one of the 100 Most Influential People in the world. He also received the Padma Vibhushan in 2014, one of India’s highest civilian honors. B.K.S. Iyengar taught that “Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim,” a sentiment proven by the thousands of teachers who continue his legacy today.