Yoga Master Sharath Jois Dies at 53 While Hiking

Renowned Indian-origin yoga master Sharath Jois, celebrated for his contributions to Ashtanga yoga, passed away on Monday in Virginia, USA, at the age of 53. Jois, who held the legacy of the Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India, reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack while hiking during a visit to the University of Virginia’s Contemplative Science Center, where he was scheduled to lead a seminar. This tragic event has left the global yoga community in mourning as Jois was an influential figure who inspired thousands through his dedication to yoga.

Born in Mysore, India, Sharath Jois was the grandson of the legendary yoga icon K. Pattabhi Jois, founder of the Ashtanga Yoga Institute. Under his grandfather’s mentorship, Jois began practicing yoga at the age of seven, exploring asanas and advancing through primary and intermediate sequences by the time he was fourteen. Over the decades, Jois became a recognized authority in Ashtanga yoga, teaching his family’s legacy worldwide and introducing its rigorous discipline to new generations. His classes attracted devoted followers, including Hollywood celebrities like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow, further cementing Ashtanga yoga’s reach beyond India.

Jois’s passing has left an indelible mark on the yoga world. The internet flooded with heartfelt tributes from students, friends, and followers across the globe. A U.S.-based entrepreneur shared his sorrow on social media platform X, saying, “Sharath Jois passed away at 53 yesterday, November 11. I’m so sorry. I spent a year in India studying under him. What a loss.” Another follower expressed admiration for Jois’s lifelong commitment to Ashtanga, writing, “Sharath Jois was a good friend of mine. A big loss to yoga, especially his Ashtanga style. He deserves a Padma award for popularizing yoga.”

Jois’s influence extended far beyond his students, as he devoted his life to teaching Ashtanga yoga and preserving his grandfather’s teachings. His global workshops and seminars drew practitioners from all backgrounds, many of whom sought not only physical instruction but also the philosophical depth Ashtanga offers. Jois was known for his disciplined approach and dedication, blending traditional techniques with modern sensibilities. His seminars emphasized the power of yoga in holistic health and mental well-being, qualities he championed in his personal practice and teachings.

Jois is survived by his wife, Shruti Jois, his two children, son Sambhav Jois and daughter Shraddha Jois, as well as his parents, Saraswathi Jois and Rangaswamy. His mother, Saraswathi Jois, is also a respected figure in the Ashtanga community and has contributed significantly to preserving the practice.

With his passing, the yoga world has lost a mentor, guide, and master who influenced the lives of countless individuals globally. His legacy, however, endures in the countless students he trained and the principles of Ashtanga yoga that he helped to spread worldwide. Jois’s life and work have left an undeniable impact, ensuring that Ashtanga yoga will continue to grow and inspire generations to come. His contribution will be remembered as a cornerstone in the story of modern yoga, forever intertwining his name with the practice he devoted his life to.