Indra Devi – The First Lady of Yoga

Indra Devi (1899–2002), born as Eugenie Peterson in Latvia, was a remarkable yogini who broke boundaries of culture, gender, and tradition. As one of the first Western women to be trained in yoga under Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, she went on to transform yoga into a global phenomenon. Known as the “First Lady of Yoga,” she dedicated her long life to teaching yoga across continents and making it accessible to all.

Early Life and Spiritual Quest

Born in Riga, Latvia, Eugenie Peterson grew up with a deep fascination for Indian culture, spirituality, and philosophy. At a time when yoga was little known outside India, she dreamed of traveling to the East to learn its secrets. Her journey to India in the 1930s was driven by determination and a desire to embrace a spiritual life beyond cultural boundaries.

Her quest reflected immense courage, as yoga during that era was practiced mainly by Indian men and often considered off-limits to women and foreigners.

Training with Krishnamacharya

When Eugenie approached Krishnamacharya at the Mysore Palace to become his student, she faced rejection. As a foreign woman, she was initially denied entry into the strictly traditional world of yoga. However, with persistence and the intervention of the Maharaja of Mysore, she was eventually accepted.

This marked a historic turning point: Indra Devi became the first Western and female disciple of Krishnamacharya.

Under his rigorous training, she learned asanas, pranayama, meditation, and yoga philosophy. She embraced her spiritual transformation with the name Indra Devi, symbolizing her rebirth into a yogic life.

Spreading Yoga in India and Beyond

Indra Devi’s first teaching experiences began in India, where she introduced yoga to members of the Indian elite and artists.

In 1947, she moved to China and opened one of the first yoga schools in Shanghai, marking the beginning of her international mission.

A year later, in 1948, she relocated to Hollywood, California, and opened the first yoga studio in Hollywood. Her classes quickly became popular among celebrities, musicians, and cultural icons. Some of her most well-known students included:

• Greta Garbo
• Marilyn Monroe
• Gloria Swanson
• Yehudi Menuhin

Her soft and welcoming teaching style emphasized gentle postures, breath awareness, and deep relaxation, making yoga accessible to ordinary people and celebrities alike.

Contribution to Modern Yoga

Indra Devi played a transformative role in popularizing yoga in the West. Unlike the more rigid approaches, her teaching focused on:

• Relaxation over discipline.
• Healing benefits for body and mind.
• Making yoga approachable for women and beginners.

Her books became timeless classics, spreading yoga’s wisdom worldwide. Among them:

• Forever Young, Forever Healthy
• Yoga for Americans
• Renew Your Life through Yoga

These writings turned yoga into a practical lifestyle practice, rather than something limited to spiritual seekers in India.

Later Life and Global Recognition

Even in her later years, Indra Devi never stopped sharing yoga. She traveled widely, teaching in South America, Europe, and Asia.

She spent her last decades in Argentina and Mexico, where she became a spiritual guide for thousands. Known for her energy and grace, she continued teaching yoga well into her 90s.

She passed away peacefully in 2002 at the age of 102, leaving behind a worldwide community inspired by her vision.

Legacy of Indra Devi

Indra Devi’s life and work continue to inspire millions of practitioners around the world. Her legacy can be summarized as:

• Pioneer of women in yoga and a bridge between East and West.
• Opened the first Hollywood yoga studio, bringing yoga to the world stage.
• Taught celebrities, helping yoga enter mainstream culture.
• Authored influential books, making yoga easy for beginners.
• Demonstrated that yoga is not limited by gender, nationality, or age.

She is remembered as a trailblazer who universalized yoga and ensured that its message of peace, health, and self-awareness touched every corner of the globe.

Conclusion

Indra Devi’s journey reflects courage, devotion, and a visionary approach to yoga. She not only challenged traditions but also reshaped the global perception of yoga, presenting it as a practice for everyone. Rightly honored as the “First Lady of Yoga,” her contribution remains unforgettable in the history of modern yoga..