Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF)

CIF established in 1989, is a research centre for advanced study in Sanskrit and Indology. It is a cross-cultural forum for the exchange of knowledge. Swami Chinmayananda visualized CIF as a bridge between the East and the West, past and present, science and spirituality and between the pundit and the public.

Adi Sankara Nilayam

CIF is located at the birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya at Veliyanad in Kerala, which is about 30km from the city of Ernakulam. Originally known as the Melpazur Mana, and named by Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayanandaji as Adi Sankara Nilayam, this is the home of Aryamba, the holy mother of Sri Sankara.

Named Nallukattu (four winged structure), this ancient Nambudri Family home is an excellent example of the splendid architectural style of old Kerala, in which structural strength is admirably blended with practical utility and artistic workmanship. Even after centuries, the exquisite wooden panelling and engraving endures, bearing eloquent testimony to the keen craftsmanship of ancient days.

The sprawling Nallukattu stands on an 8.3 acre plot of land amidst lush sun kissed greenery, a water pond and a temple complex with the shrines of Shree Ayyappa, Shree Rama, Shree Krishna, Vettakkorumagan (Kirata Shiva, the family deity of Melpazhur Mana), Nagayakshi and Bhagavati. In such an auspicious and uplifting environ stands the meditation hall, a memorial built in memory of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda.

Activities

CIF is involved in multifarious academic programmes such as

• Critical edition of the Brahma Sutras with Shankara Bhashya with English translation and notes
• Sukti-sudha, a compilation of proverbs in Sanskrit literature
• Vada-kosha, a compendium of ancient Indian Philosophical tenets
• Sansk-net a national network for data base of Sanskrit Classics
• Sanskrit Home Study Course
• Vedanta Home Study Course
• E-Sanskrit and E-Vedanta Course
• Collection, preservation, digitalization and publication of rare palm-leaf and other manuscripts
• Anusaraka or Natural Language Processing (NLP) by computer
• Mastering Matrimony - The Chinmaya Art of Home-Life - a manual for guidance to house-holders and marriage counselling based on the Indian Scriptures

Besides being engaged in the above projects, CIF regularly organizes camps, workshops and programmes on relevant themes. Past camps and programmes have included those on Sanskrit literature, Sanskrit learning, Geeta chanting, personality development, teacher training, leadership and so on. CIF also frequently hosts seminars, workshops and programmes organized by independent bodies and institutions on various aspects of Indian Philosophy, Sanskrit literature and Indian culture, heritage and civilization.

Facilities

• CIF is equipped with a well-furnished library, computer centre and residential accommodation with boarding facilities. It is an ideal place for learning, reflection and retreat, as well as for camps, conferences and conventions.

• CIF provides tutelage for PhD students by a team of scholars of national repute. Erudite scholars on various branches of Sanskrit learning are available for discussions and clarification. CIF is a recognized research centre by the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala.

Getting to CIF

CIF is in Veliyanad, 3 kms before Piravom Town on Ernakulam - Piravom Road, about 30km from Ernakulam Railway Junction and 60km from Cochin International Airport. From Ernakulam you can reach CIF conveniently by car or bus.

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