Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan expressed profound grief over the demise of yoga guru B K S Iyengar and said that his legacy will continue to live on for years.
"He dedicated his entire life to the study, practise, research, and promotion of yoga. Indeed, he was an encyclopedia of yoga and an innovator living in our midst. I am sure, his rich legacy will live on for many many years," Sankaranarayanan said in a condolence message here.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan too condoled the death of Iyengar and said his death has left a "vacuum" which will be hard to fill.
"Iyengar was famously known as a teacher who would simplify even the most complex techniques of yoga before teaching it to his students. With his demise, the world has lost the true master of yoga," Chavan said.
The yoga master has taught thousands of people world over not only the fine techniques of yoga, but has also inspired people to live a healthy and a meaningful life, Chavan added.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar hailed the yoga guru as a "unique" man, who successfully spread the values of Indian tradition through his teachings.
The contribution of Iyengar towards yoga has been immense which will continue to inspire millions of people in the years to come, Pawar said.
State BJP chief Devendra Fadnavis said that it is due to Iyengar's efforts that yoga has got international recognition.
"Innumerable people have been cured of various diseases through his teachings of yoga. We have lost a great human being," Fadnavis said.
Iyengar passed away early this morning in Pune following illness.
96-year-old Iyengar had been ailing for some time and was admitted to a private hospital here a week back. He was put on dialysis after his condition worsened two days back. He breathed his last at 3.15 am.
