Adiyogi: The First Yogi and the Transmission of Yoga
Written and reviewed by The Kriya Yogi · Updated 25 September 2026
Over 15,000 years ago, a being appeared in the upper reaches of the Himalayas. He was not a god, but a man who had transcended all limitations. He was the Adiyogi, the first yogi. He didn't preach a religion; he gave a science of self-transformation that we now know as Yoga.
The short answers
- Adiyogi is the source of all yogic sciences.
- He transmitted his knowledge to the Saptarishis (seven sages).
- The transmission took place at the banks of Kantisarovar lake near Kailash.
- He identified 112 ways through which a human being can attain liberation.
- Adiyogi represents the possibility of human evolution through conscious effort.
After years of intense stillness, Adiyogi began to share his wisdom. The Saptarishis spent years preparing themselves to receive this knowledge. On the day of the summer solstice, now celebrated as Guru Purnima, Adiyogi turned south and became the Adi Guru (the first teacher). He explained that everything in the universe is a play of energy and that by mastering the mechanics of the human system, one can transcend the cycle of birth and death. His teachings were not intellectual but experiential, focusing on breath, posture, and internal energy flow.
Approaching it with care
Recognize Potential
Understand that yoga is about evolving beyond your current limitations.
Practice Hatha
Start with the physical postures to prepare the body for higher energies.
Inner Engineering
Apply the mechanics of yoga to your internal well-being.
Cautions worth reading
- Yoga is a science, not a belief system; practice requires discipline.
- Do not confuse the mythological representation with the core technology.
- Seek guidance from authentic lineages to avoid injury or misunderstanding.
What scholars and evidence say
The Saptarishis carried this knowledge to different parts of the world, forming the basis of spiritual traditions globally.
Questions people ask
+ Is Adiyogi different from Shiva?
+ Where is the largest Adiyogi statue?
Sources
- Adiyogi: The Source of Yoga by Sadhguru
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
These are living traditions, best approached with a teacher or community where possible. Nothing here is medical advice; check with a clinician before starting a new movement or meditation practice if you have a health condition.