Patanjali refers to two things most people encounter: an ancient Indian sage who systematized yoga philosophy, and a modern consumer goods company named after him. The sage Patanjali is best known for writing the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text that outlines the philosophy and practice of yoga. The company, Patanjali Ayurved, is one of India’s largest consumer brands, selling everything from toothpaste to herbal medicines. Which one you’re looking for depends on context, so here’s what you need to know about both.
Patanjali the Ancient Sage
Patanjali was a scholar in ancient India, though pinning down exactly when he lived is tricky. Scholars place him somewhere between the 2nd century BCE and the 5th century CE. The confusion exists partly because his most famous work, the Yoga Sutras, appears to span several centuries. The first three volumes were likely composed around the 2nd century BCE, while the fourth volume dates to roughly the 5th century CE. This has led some historians to suggest that “Patanjali” may refer to more than one author.
Two major texts are attributed to him. The Yoga Sutras organized yogic thought into a structured philosophical system. The Mahabhashya (“Great Commentary”) is a detailed work on Sanskrit grammar, defending the earlier grammarian Panini against critics while also refining some of Panini’s rules. Whether the yoga philosopher and the grammarian were the same person remains an open question in academic circles.
The Yoga Sutras and the Eight Limbs
The Yoga Sutras are divided into four volumes covering contemplation (samadhi), the practice of yoga, psychic powers, and liberation (kaivalya). The text is compact, written as short aphorisms meant to be studied and memorized. Its most influential contribution is the concept of the eight limbs of yoga, known as Ashtanga. These eight limbs form a step-by-step path that moves from ethical behavior all the way to a state of deep absorption.
The eight limbs are:
- Yama: ethical restraints, such as nonviolence and truthfulness
- Niyama: personal observances, like self-discipline and contentment
- Asana: physical postures (this is what most Westerners think of as “yoga”)
- Pranayama: breath control techniques
- Pratyahara: withdrawal of the senses from external distractions
- Dharana: focused concentration on a single point
- Dhyana: sustained meditation
- Samadhi: complete absorption, a state of profound stillness and unity
In Patanjali’s framework, the physical postures practiced in modern yoga studios represent just one of eight dimensions. The system treats ethics, mental discipline, and spiritual practice as equally important. This is why yoga teachers and practitioners often reference Patanjali when discussing the philosophical side of yoga beyond the poses.
Patanjali Ayurved: The Modern Company
Patanjali Ayurved is an Indian consumer goods company founded in 2006 by yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his associate Acharya Balkrishna. Named after the ancient sage, the company positions itself around Ayurvedic and natural products. It grew rapidly through the 2010s, becoming a household name in India and a direct competitor to multinational brands in categories like personal care and packaged food.
The company sells over 2,500 products across six main categories: healthcare and medicines, beverages, personal care, food products, home essentials, and publications. Within those categories, the range is broad. Food products alone cover 18 subcategories including flours, spices, pulses, sauces, and pickles. Personal care spans toothpaste, soap, shampoo, face wash, and body lotion. The healthcare line includes traditional Ayurvedic medicines, digestive supplements, and wellness products like chyawanprash.
For fiscal year 2024, Patanjali Ayurved reported total income of approximately Rs 9,335 crore (roughly $1.1 billion), a 23% increase over the previous year. However, its core revenue from product sales actually declined about 14% to Rs 6,460 crore, with the income boost partly driven by gains from its publicly listed subsidiary, Patanjali Foods.
International Presence
Patanjali products are exported to more than 45 countries, though the market is heavily concentrated. The United States, Canada, and Australia together account for roughly 62% of all Patanjali imports globally. The U.S. alone represents about 29% of international shipments, followed by Canada at 18% and Australia at 15%. Other significant markets include Mauritius, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Much of the international demand comes from the Indian diaspora in these countries.
Research Operations
The company operates the Patanjali Research Foundation, based in Haridwar, India. The facility focuses on drug discovery, herbal chemistry, microbiology, and clinical research. It maintains a herbarium accredited by the New York Botanical Garden’s Index Herbariorum, with over 13,500 plant specimens collected from across India. The laboratories hold accreditation under international testing standards (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) and recognition from India’s Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The foundation also works on translating and publishing ancient Ayurvedic manuscripts.
Advertising Controversies
Patanjali Ayurved has faced significant legal scrutiny over its marketing claims. In 2024, India’s Supreme Court addressed contempt proceedings against Ramdev, Balkrishna, and the company for publishing misleading advertisements that claimed their herbal products could cure conditions including diabetes, obesity, liver dysfunction, and COVID-19. The court found these advertisements were “deliberate and wilful violations” of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954.
The proceedings began after Patanjali violated an undertaking given to the court in November 2023, promising to stop advertising unsubstantiated cures. When the company initially apologized, the court noted the apology was “qualified” rather than unconditional. The Supreme Court ultimately accepted a revised unconditional apology published in national and regional newspapers, and closed the contempt case in August 2024. But the justices issued a pointed warning: any future violation of their undertakings would result in swift contempt action with “grave consequences.”
The episode drew widespread attention in India and raised broader questions about how Ayurvedic and alternative medicine products are marketed to consumers, particularly when advertising crosses into making specific medical cure claims that aren’t supported by clinical evidence.