In pics: How ancient practice of Yoga evolved over centuries

Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Yuj', which means to join or to unite. According to the mythology, yoga is a kriya that leads to harmony between the mind, body and the soul.

Yoga came into existence thousands of years ago even before the belief system evolved. A popular belief says that Shiva is the first Adiyogi or the first yoga guru.

Yoga begun in the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India over 5,000 years ago. The word yoga was first mentioned in the oldest sacred texts, the Rig Veda.

Yoga is presence, bliss, self-awareness, meditation – it is not the attempt to push the body into certain positions. Yoga, is a wonderful gift – because such practice would allow one to feel and rejoice the body getting stronger and more flexible.

Yoga in Western society is synonymous with the practice of asana (posture), and such asana-centred Yoga sessions are easily accessible in almost every city in the West. Yoga is being practiced as part of a physical fitness regime; and it is known that asana improves flexibility and strength.

Historical evidences of the existence of Yoga were seen in the pre-Vedic period, and thereafter till Patanjali’s period. The main sources, from which we get the information about Yoga practices and the related literature during this period, are available in Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis, teachings of Buddhism, Jainism, Panini, Epics, Puranas.

Patanjlai was the author of classics in three important fields. He wrote a treatise on grammar- the Mahabbhasya and a book on Ayurveda besides sharing the credit of compiling Yoga sutra.