Sri R. Sharath Jois

R. Sharath Jois was born on September 29, 1971 in Mysore, South India to Saraswathi Rangaswamy, daughter of Ashtanga master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Growing up in a house full of yogis, Sharath learned his first asanas at age 7 and experimented with postures from the primary and intermediate series until he turned 14. Although he spent the next three years focused on his scholastic education, earning a diploma in electronics, Sharath knew deep down that he would one day follow the asthanga path carved by his legendary grandfather.

Encouraged by his mother, Sharath embarked on this inevitable yoga journey at age 19. He would wake every day at 3:30 a.m. and drive to the Lakshmipuram shala to first practice and then assist Guruji, a routine he followed for many years. An example of sincere dedication and discipline, Sharath still rises early six days a week (now at 2:00 a.m.) to practice before the first students arrive at the new Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute (AYRI) now located in Gokulam, where he serves as Assistant Director and continues to assist his grandfather.

Sharath is Pattabhi Jois’ only student who has mastered all five series of the Ashtanga yoga system, and is currently studying several asanas in the sixth and final series. He resides in Mysore with his wife Shruthi, daughter Shraddha, and son Sambhav.

Sharath on Ashtanga Yoga