Sharath Jois, Renowned Ashtanga Yoga Guru, Passes Away at 53

Sharath Jois, the grandson of the legendary yoga guru K. Pattabhi Jois and a prominent figure in the world of Ashtanga yoga, passed away on November 11, 2024, in Virginia, USA. He was 53 years old. Sharath Jois had been on a teaching tour in the US when he died unexpectedly.

Sharath Jois took over the mantle of running the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI) in Mysuru, India, in 2008 after his grandfather fell ill. Following his grandfather’s death in 2009, Sharath continued to teach and expand the reach of Ashtanga yoga globally. He was known for his dedication and discipline, waking up at 1 am each day to practice before teaching his students.

Sharath Jois was born on September 29, 1971, in Mysuru and began practicing yoga under his grandfather’s guidance at the age of seven. He later obtained a diploma in electronics but chose to focus fully on yoga. His teachings were highly respected, and he was credited with training teachers who now conduct yoga classes across the world.

Sharath Jois was also known for teaching several high-profile celebrities, including Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sting. He described these celebrities as very disciplined in their practice, treating them like any other student in his classes.

The global yoga community has mourned his untimely demise, with tributes pouring in from around the world. Sharath Jois is survived by his wife and two children. His legacy in the world of Ashtanga yoga is profound, and his contributions to the field have been widely acknowledged.

Sharath Jois’s impact extended beyond the yoga community; he also played a significant role in promoting Mysuru tourism and contributing to the local economy through the influx of foreign students visiting the city to learn from him.