Patanjali, is the original founder of the Yoga Sutras, which has been universally acknowledged as the fundamental text on yoga and meditation in the Indian classical tradition. He is also the sage regarded in the opening prayer of Ashtanga Yoga.
Patanjali has four arms. Two are held together in a wai position. The other two hold a conch and a discus, two symbols usually associated with Vishnu. The lower portion of His body is engulfed in the coils of a serpent. The three headed serpent looms protectively over the head of Patanjali.
