Bikram Choudhury
"Yogi Raj"

Bikram Choudhury began learning Hatha Yoga poses in his native India at the age of three. At five, he began studying with Bishnu Gosh (Paramahnsa Yogananda's brother) and quickly became a yoga champion. At age 11, the was the youngest contestant ever to win the National India Yoga Competition. At 14, Swami Shivananda declared him "Yogi Raj" (King of the Yogis). At age 20, a weightlifting accident crippled Bikram. With the guidance of his Guru, Bikram created his 26 posture series that restored his health.

"Bikram or 'Hot' or 'Fire' yoga is a series of yoga poses done in a heated room, which is usually maintained at a temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 40 degrees Celsius). A vigorous yoga session at this temperature promotes profuse sweating, which is said to rid the body of toxins. It also makes the body very warm...and therefore more flexible."