Patanjali Maharishi (circa 200 BC-200 AD), was a sage in India who is believed to have authored a number of Sanskrit works, the most prominent of which is the classical text Yoga Sutras. Patanjali created the Yoga Sutras as a way of compiling already existing teachings into a format easier to follow and understand. The Yoga Sutras are today the most commonly referenced text on yoga, making Patanjali “the father of yoga” in the eyes of many.
Patanjali is also considered by many within the Hindu tradition to be a divine figure, and as such may have authored many historical texts attributed to him over a span of 1000 years.
