The Most Famous Yogi, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the Yogi you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 9, 2024 07:18

People around the world turn to yoga for its gifts of health, balance, and inner peace. It is only natural, therefore, that certain practitioners rise to prominence, shaped by their unique interpretations and teachings. These leading yogis inspire communities, influencing practices and lifestyles. By ranking these influential figures, enthusiasts can better engage with the diverse tapestry of knowledge and experience available in the yoga world. Such a ranking system offers a dynamic snapshot of the field's most esteemed yogis, reflecting current preferences and opinions of yoga practitioners globally. It allows newcomers and seasoned yogis alike to learn from the best and perhaps discover a new inspirational figure whose teachings resonate with their personal journey. Your votes help ensure that this ranking is updated and accurate, reflecting the community's evolving respect and admiration for leading yoga practitioners.

Who Is the Most Famous Yogi?

1

84
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Paramahansa Yogananda

He is widely considered as the father of Yoga in the West and is known for popularizing Yoga in the United States. He wrote the famous book, "Autobiography of a Yogi," which has sold millions of copies worldwide.
Paramahansa Yogananda in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous guru
2

22
votes

yanivnord · CC BY 2.0

Bikram Choudhury

He is the founder of Bikram Yoga, a popular form of hot yoga practiced in studios around the world. Choudhury has been the subject of controversy due to allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct.
3

27
votes
Mutt Lunker · CC BY-SA 3.0

B.K.S. Iyengar

He is considered as one of the most influential Yoga teachers of the 20th century. He developed the Iyengar style of Yoga, which emphasizes precision and alignment in poses.
B.K.S. Iyengar in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Yoga instructor
4

21
votes

Swami Sivananda

He was a spiritual leader and Yoga master who founded the Divine Life Society, an organization that spread Yoga and Vedanta teachings around the world. He also wrote several books on Yoga and spirituality.
5

19
votes
Photo sent · CC BY-SA 3.0

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

He is the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, a non-profit organization that offers programs in Yoga, meditation, and stress management. He is also a spiritual leader and has been recognized for his humanitarian work.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Gurus in India
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous guru
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular teacher in India
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular religious leaders in the world
6

15
votes

Magnolia Zuniga · CC BY-SA 4.0

K. Pattabhi Jois

He is known for developing the Ashtanga Yoga style, a vigorous and physically demanding practice that includes a set series of poses.
7

6
votes
Isha Foundation · CC BY-SA 3.0

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

He is a spiritual teacher and founder of the Isha Foundation, a non-profit organization that offers Yoga programs, environmental initiatives, and social outreach. He is also a bestselling author and has been recognized for his work in promoting Yoga and spirituality.
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Gurus in India
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular teacher in India
8

7
votes

Dharma Mittra

He is a Yoga teacher who founded the Dharma Yoga Center in New York City. He is known for his challenging asana practice and for promoting the spiritual aspects of Yoga.
9

7
votes

Magnolia Zuniga · CC BY-SA 4.0

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

He was a guru of Ashtanga Yoga and is credited with popularizing the practice in the West. Many of his students have gone on to become influential Yoga teachers themselves.
10

2
votes
Rodney Yee

He is a Yoga teacher who has been featured in numerous Yoga videos and television programs. He is known for his gentle and accessible approach to Yoga and for his emphasis on alignment and breath.
Rodney Yee in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Yoga instructor

Missing your favorite Yogi?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for famous Yogi

Influence and Contribution

Consider the yogi's impact on yoga philosophy and practice. How influential are their teachings, methods, or ideas? Have they contributed significantly to the evolution of yoga?
Popularity and Recognition

Look at the yogi's overall fame and recognition beyond the yoga community. Are they well-known globally or within specific regions? Have they reached a wide audience through books, videos, or other media platforms?
Teaching Experience and Pedigree

Assess their experience as a yoga teacher and their lineage or tradition. Have they trained under renowned yoga masters or have a long-standing reputation for teaching?
Outreach and Media Presence

Evaluate their presence and engagement on social media platforms, websites, or any other outlets through which they reach and connect with a larger audience. Have they made a substantial effort to share their teachings with the public?
Achievements and Innovation

Consider any notable achievements such as establishing yoga schools, creating unique yoga styles or approaches, or breaking barriers in the yoga world.
Global Impact and Following

Take into account the yogi's following, influence, and recognition worldwide. Have they inspired and influenced people across different cultures and continents?
Endorsements and Collaborations

Assess any collaborations, endorsements, or associations they have with other influential figures or brands in the yoga community and beyond. Have they garnered support and recognition from other respected individuals in the field?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Yogi. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Yogi is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2459 views
209 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Yogi once every 24 hours. The rank of each Yogi is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous yogi

Yoga has become a popular practice worldwide, and with it, the interest in famous Yogis has grown too. A Yogi is someone who practices yoga, lives a spiritual life, and strives towards self-realization. The world has seen many famous Yogis who have made significant contributions to the field of yoga and spirituality. From ancient sages to modern-day practitioners, there are many names that come to mind when we think of famous Yogis. Some of the most well-known Yogis include Swami Vivekananda, Paramahansa Yogananda, B.K.S. Iyengar, and Sadhguru. Each of these Yogis has left a profound impact on the world of yoga and spirituality, and their teachings continue to inspire millions of people across the globe. In this article, we will explore the life and teachings of some of the most famous Yogis in history and discover what makes them so revered among yoga practitioners worldwide.