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The Genesis of CIF:
A Vision Attains Shape

CIF’s evolution from concept to completion
Adi Sankara Nilayam
Sansthan Mandala
Feather

Chinmaya International Foundation

Beginnings

Sankaran Nambutiri, a modern-day descendant of Adi Sankara’s maternal family, served as the custodian of Melpazhur Mana. Unable to maintain the vast property, he chose to release it to hands that would preserve its reverence and tradition. In April 1990, with the blessings of Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda , the Chinmaya Mission acquired the property and established the Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) -an institute for Sanskrit and Indology research.

CIF serves as a cross-cultural forum bridging the East and the West, combining ancient wisdom with contemporary thought, promoting science, spirituality, and public discourse .

CIF Recognitions

Sanskrit University
CIF has been recognized by Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, as one of the four premier Sanskrit Research Institutions of India and has been accorded the status of Shodha Sansthan or Centre for Sanskrit Research.
DSIR
CIF is also recognised as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation by the Department of Industrial and Scientific Research, Government of India.

Programs and Projects

CIF has hosted seminars, workshops, retreats, and educational tours, promoting Sanskrit and philosophy. Key initiatives include:

  • Anusaaraka – Software based on Panini’s Ashtadhyayi for Natural Language Processing (NLP).
  • Palm-leaf Manuscripts – Collection, preservation, and digital publication of ancient texts.
  • Online & Postal Courses – Covering Upanishads, Vedanta, Bhagavad Gita, Sanskrit, Vedic Mathematics, and self-development courses with 15,000+ students worldwide .
  • Publications – Rare texts on Vedanta, Sanskrit, and Indology, including :
    • Brahmasutra-chatushtri with Sankara-bhasya
    • Holy Gita Ready Reference
    • CIFSS annual research journal (Dhimahi)
  • Digital Media – Pendrives of academic lectures, covering topics like: :
    • Classic Indian Research Methodology
    • Learning Sanskrit Language Structure
    • Patanjali Yogasutra, Jivanmuktiviveka, Panchadashi, and more.

Campus Facilities

Over time, the sprawling campus has been restored to its original style and gloryz, features:

  • Reference Library – 25,000+ books and 30+ journal subscriptions.
  • Research & Residential Spaces – Meditation hall, residential quarters, and self-study areas.
  • Technology & Infrastructure – Computer lab with internet access, kitchen, dining facilities, and temple rooms.
  • Satellite Centre – Shivaranjini CIF Annexe in Kottayam functions as an extension of CIF.