Celebrating Indra Devi: The First Lady Of Yoga

Meet Indra Devi , a remarkable individual who defied societal norms and became a trailblazer in the ancient discipline of yoga . Historically dominated by men, yoga witnessed a transformation when Indra Devi emerged as a persistent and assertive figure.

Born Eugenie Peterson on May 12, 1899, in Riga, Latvia, Indra hailed from a diverse background. Her father, Vasili Peterson, was a Swedish bank director, while her mother, Alejandra Vasilyevna, worked as a theater actress under the stage name Labunskaia. Indra's journey began when she stumbled upon a book titled "Fourteen Lessons in Yogi Philosophy and Oriental Occultism" by Yogi Ramacharaka ( William Walker Atkinson ). Intrigued, she immersed herself in the teachings of yoga and soon developed a profound desire to visit India.

Amid the chaos of the Russian Revolution in 1917, Indra sought refuge in various countries before settling in Berlin in 1921. As a trained actress and dancer, she embarked on a journey across Europe with a theater troupe. In 1926, she attended a congress organized by Annie Besant's Theosophical Society in Ommen, Holland. It was there that she had a life-changing encounter with the renowned yoga master, Jiddu Krishnamurti. Captivated by his chants in ancient Sanskrit, she knew that her destiny lay in yoga.

Indra's path took a pivotal turn when she met Hermann Bolm, a wealthy banker who proposed marriage. However, she agreed only on the condition that he would finance a trip to India. After spending three transformative months in the birthplace of yoga, she realized that her true calling resided there. Returning the engagement ring, Indra sold her valuables and embraced India's vibrant culture. Adopting the stage name Indra Devi, she found success as a dancer and actress in Indian films.

During her social engagements, Indra forged connections with prominent figures such as Mahatma Gandhi , Rabindranath Tagore , and Jawaharlal Nehru. Her husband, Jan Strakaty, remained understanding and supportive despite the unconventional path she chose. However, her glamorous lifestyle eventually took a toll on her health, leading to debilitating chest pains. In a twist of fate, a yoga practitioner friend recommended yoga as a remedy.

Eager to learn, Indra approached the esteemed yoga master, Krishnamacharya, who initially hesitated due to her Western and female identity. Eventually, with the intervention of the Maharaja, Krishnamacharya agreed to mentor her. Indra embraced the rigorous discipline, adhering to strict practices and dietary restrictions. Her dedication and zeal impressed Krishnamacharya to such an extent that he became her private tutor. Notably, her fellow students included future yoga luminaries such as K. Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar . Astonishingly, her heart ailment vanished as she experienced a complete recovery.

In 1938, when her husband was transferred to China, Krishnamacharya urged Indra to share her knowledge by teaching yoga. She heeded his advice and opened a yoga school in Shanghai, hosted by Madame Chiang Kai-shek, an ardent yoga enthusiast and wife of the nationalist leader. The school attracted American and Russian students, who affectionately referred to Indra as "Mataji," meaning mother.

After the war, Indra returned to India and authored her first book, "Yoga, the Art of Reaching Health and Happiness." Not only was she the first Westerner to publish a yoga book in India, but she also became the first Westerner to teach yoga there. Following her husband's passing in 1946, Indra faced a pivotal decision—whether to return to India or embark on a new journey to the United States.

Choosing the United States as her next destination, Indra established a yoga school in Hollywood. In her quest to popularize yoga, she attracted an array of celebrities and notable personalities. From Gloria Swanson and Yehudi Menuhin to Pandit Nehru and Greta Garbo, her students encompassed a diverse range of luminaries. Indra developed a friendship with Elizabeth Arden, a renowned cosmetologist who integrated yoga into her health spa programs. She went on to write two more books, "Forever Young, Forever Healthy" and "Renew Your Life by Practicing Yoga," which achieved tremendous success, translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide.

In 1953, Indra married Dr. Sigfrid Knauer, a distinguished physician and humanist. She officially became an American citizen and adopted the name Indra Devi on her passport. Dr. Knauer supported her endeavors wholeheartedly, even purchasing a twenty-four-room estate in Tecate, Mexico, where Indra conducted yoga training courses. She traversed the globe, delivering lectures, teaching yoga, and spreading awareness about its numerous benefits, leveraging her fluency in five languages.

In 1982, Indra traveled to Argentina and fell in love with the country. She chose to spend the remaining years of her life there, establishing the Fundacion Indra Devi in 1988—a foundation that continues her legacy to this day.

In 1989, the first national conference on yoga was held in Russia, featuring Indra Devi, B.K.S. Iyengar, and Guru Bhajan . A grand celebration marked her 100th birthday in 1999, attended by over 3,000 guests.

Despite gradually slowing down, Indra continued to travel until her health declined, peacefully passing away in Buenos Aires on April 25, 2002. Her ashes were scattered over the Rio de la Plata, honoring the remarkable woman who revolutionized the world of yoga.