Patanjali

Summary

Patanjali, traditionally believed to be an incarnation of the serpent-king Sesa (who supports the universe and Narayana), is deified as "Bhagavat," a title for divine beings. According to tradition, Sesa descended to Earth after Narayana's weight increased due to joy from visualizing Shiva's dance. Sesa was born as Patanjali after falling from a sage's hands during her worship in Gonarda, deriving his name from the Sanskrit word "patan" (to fall). Patanjali performed intense penance, propitiating Shiva, who granted him two wishes: to witness Shiva's divine dance and compose the *Mahābhāṣya*, a seminal commentary on Panini's *Varttikas*. While teaching, he concealed his divine form behind a screen, sparking curiosity among students. When one removed the screen, Patanjali incinerated the inquisitive student, though one survived, later publishing the *Mahābhāṣya*. The identity of Patanjali with the author of the *Yoga-Sūtra* remains debated. While some equate them due to the shared name, others argue the *Yoga-Sūtra* predates the *Mahābhāṣya*. However, Patanjali is credited with systematizing scattered yogic practices into a coherent philosophy, rather than founding the system. He is also attributed with three major works: the *Mahābhāṣya*, the *Yoga-Sūtra*, and a commentary on Ayurveda. [Post-publication note: Modern scholarship continues to explore Patanjali's historical context, with some researchers suggesting later dates for the *Yoga