There are many kinds of yoga being practiced in India and abroad. The most common ones are:

Hatha Yoga: This is the most common form of Yoga and uses both 'asanas' (exercise postures) and 'pranyama' (breathing exercises) to improve concentration and make the body fitter. Another goal of Hatha Yoga is to bring about a union of the body with the mind and soul. This is brought about by yogic exercises.

Mantra Yoga: This Yoga is based on the chanting of Vedic 'mantras' (chants). The Vedas are the most holy books of Hindus, and the constant chanting of their 'mantras' purifies a human being and helps him attain salvation.

Bhakti Yoga: This Yoga is based on devotion and complete faith in God. It releases suppressed emotions and purifies the inner self. It gradually decreases the ego of the practitioner thus preventing distractions, fickleness or pain among them. Ultimately, the practitioner of Bhakti Yoga reaches a stage where he becomes one with his Creator.

Karma Yoga: This Yoga is derived from Bhagvad Gita, one of the most holy Hindu books. According to this, man must work not for the sake of reward or fortune. Instead he should look upon work as worship of God. When he does so, he will achieve the stability of mind in all conditions.

Jnana Yoga: This Yoga teaches the conversion of intellectual knowledge into practical wisdom. Its constant quest leads to the highest meditative state and self-realization.

Kundalini Yoga: The performance of this branch of Yoga leads to the awakening of the psychic centres or 'chakras'. It involves deep concentration and uses 'asanas', 'pranayama', 'mudras' and 'bandha' to bring about the awakening.

Kriya Yoga: These are specially designed exercises that raise consciousness to sublime levels. According to holy Hindu texts there are 70 kriyas. However, only 20 of them are commonly performed.

Raja Yoga: It is a comprehensive Yoga system that teaches restraint and discipline; helps individuals acquire physical health and vitality; develops awareness and concentration; and helps in the attainment of inner bliss and peace.

Swara Yoga: This form of Yoga brings about self-realization through control of breath.

Hot Yoga: This is a more recent form of Yoga and is performed in a room whose temperature has been raised to 105 degree Fahrenheit. The practitioners of this Yoga believe that the excessive sweating caused by the high temperature cleans the body of all toxins.