Who is known as the 'Father of Yoga'?

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Accepted Answer

The correct option is (4):
Maharshi Patanjali is universally recognized as the 'Father of Yoga' because he is the compiler of the *Yoga Sutras*. This foundational Sanskrit text, dating back to roughly the 2nd century BCE to 4th century CE, provided the first systematic and comprehensive framework for the practice of yoga philosophy, specifically *Raja Yoga* or Classical Yoga. His 196 concise aphorisms, or sutras, codified the scattered teachings of yoga into a clear methodology, most famously outlining the *Ashtanga Yoga* or Eight Limbs of Yoga: *Yama*, *Niyama*, *Asana*, *Pranayama*, *Pratyahara*, *Dharana*, *Dhyana*, and *Samadhi*. This systematic approach to controlling the mind and achieving self-realization established the classical school of yoga, cementing Patanjali's pivotal historical role.

The incorrect option is (1):
Swami Sivananda (1887–1963) was a revered spiritual master, physician, and prolific author who founded the Divine Life Society. He made immense contributions to the global revival and dissemination of yoga in the 20th century. However, his work focused on synthesizing and popularizing a variety of yoga paths, including Karma, Bhakti, Hatha, and Raja Yoga, for the modern age, rather than being the original compiler of the classical system. While he is a towering figure in modern yoga, he is not credited with authoring the original foundational text that systematized the philosophy. His contribution is in the transmission and practice of yoga, not its ancient, philosophical codification.

The incorrect option is (2):
Rishi Mahesh Yogi (1918–2008) is renowned for introducing Transcendental Meditation (TM) to the West and globally popularizing this mantra-based meditation technique. He was the founder of the worldwide TM movement and is a prominent figure in the post-war spiritual and new-age movements. His teachings primarily focus on a specific technique of meditation, which is only one aspect of Patanjali’s eight limbs. He did not write the foundational philosophical texts, but rather taught a modernized, specific technique derived from Vedic traditions. Therefore, he is associated with a specific modern practice, not the classical title of 'Father of Yoga'.

The incorrect option is (3):
The name 'Swami Swatam Ram' is a slight variation of Swami *Svatmarama*, the compiler of the *Hatha Yoga Pradipika* in the 15th century CE. This text is a seminal work for the physical practice of *Hatha Yoga*, detailing *asanas* (postures) and *pranayama* (breathing techniques). While the *Hatha Yoga Pradipika* is a hugely important text, it is considered a branch that evolved from the principles of Patanjali’s *Raja Yoga*. Swami Svatmarama’s work focused on the physical discipline as a preparatory stage, while Maharshi Patanjali’s *Yoga Sutras* laid the groundwork for the entire classical philosophical system.