Isvarapraṇidhāna, , "devotion to the Ishvara ("Lord”)" the 5th Niyama

Isvarapraṇidhāna, , "devotion to the Ishvara ("Lord”)”, is the fifth Niyama of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Isvarapraṇidhāna is a Sanskrit compound word composed of two words isvara and praṇidhāna. Isvara (also spelled Ishvara) literally means "owner,” “ruler," or “lord.” Praṇidhāna has a range of meanings in Sanskrit, including "laying on,” “fixing,” “applying,” “attention,” “meditation,” “desire,” “prayer,” “dedication,” and “devotion too.”

Hindu scholars have debated and commented on who or what is Isvara. Commentaries range from defining Ishvara as a "personal form of god" like Krishna or Shiva to an "impersonal, formless god"  Brahman (highest universal principle) or the likes of  "anything that has spiritual significance to the seeker” of yoga Many scholars suggest that Isvara is Vishnu in his cosmic form

What is important here is to recognize that this is Patanjali’s moment of Bhakti Yoga (yoga of devotion), and he is recognizing a higher spiritual power at play in the universe and the individual's life. He is not promoting a religion or a specific “cult” [I am using the term “cult’ in its ancient context] of a single deity but is strongly implying the need for the yogi to have a deep, profound connection with God (whatever form suits the seeker).

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