The divine practice of yoga is now becoming the passion of all. Everyone wants to delve into its vast ocean with various purposes. Yoga is the finest practice for a healthy body and mind. The numerous benefits of yoga attract people towards the practice of it. The best part of yoga is that it comes without any limit. You can practice it at any age, at any stage. But do you know; How it all started? Let us tell you the History of Yoga.
Lord Shiva – First Teacher of Yoga
When we heard of Lord Shiva, we create an image of him sitting in a tranquil Mudra (Position) with closed eyes and calmness on his face. We often relate Shiva to Yoga. Talking about the mythological belief, we come to the conclusion that Shiva poured the divine knowledge of yoga into Saptrishihs (Seven Sages). The sages then propagated this powerful science to various parts of the world, thus making Yoga, the most spiritual practice.
Talking about different historical sources, we found much evidence of yoga, such as:
- In Indus Valley Civilization, many seals and fossils were found, related to yoga.
- Rig Veda, the earliest record also mentioned the word, “Yoga”.
- In Atharva Veda, Again Yoga word is mentioned.
- The pre-classical period where the Upanishads took birth talk about different techniques of yoga, such as Pranayama, Pratyahara and Meditation.
- Yoga Sadhana was also found in the teaching of Mahavir and Buddha.
- The divine dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna in Bhagvat Gita explains concepts of yoga such as Dharma Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga.
- Some of the verses of the Mahabharata also mentioned the term Yoga.
- Maharishi Patanjali, during the 2nd century BC, explains the meaning of yoga in Yoga Sutras.
- Adi Shankaracharya propagated the practice of yoga and explains it during Post Classical Period.
- Talking about modern times, then it is Swami Vivekananda who propagated Yoga in western countries also.
Different parts of the world offering the teaching of yoga. All taught you it with their utmost passion and knowledge but still the first choice of the city to practice yoga in Rishikesh. You want to learn it with the environment, with the gurus, with the school of Rishikesh. You might be thinking; What is the relation of yoga with Rishikesh? Let me clear you this.
It is believed that Rishikesh is that sacred place where Yoga originated. The spiritual land offers the most suitable atmosphere for Tapasaya (Penance). The place is sanctioned by the river Ganges, hence making the place divine and perfect for a divine practice like Yoga. Even the name Rishikesh was adopted by the tapasaya of Rishi Raibhya. After which, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Hrishikesh and thus, the place is known as Rishikesh.
It is the same place where Lakshmana (brother of Lord Rama) served penance.
Adi Shankaracharya visited Rishikesh and established various temples here.
Rishikesh is the ultimate abode for Yoga, not because of only its historical relation with yoga but also due to the teachings, it provides. The city offers the most suitable environment and the best teachers of yoga. Hence, everyone wants to learn yoga in this pious city.
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