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Our Genesis

Gurudev Pujya Shrutaratna Ganivarya Shri Vairagyarativijayji Maharaj Saheb was researching on the “Prasham Rati Prakaran” in 2008. He was using seven different torn copies of the granth written on palm leaves. On observing this, a few of the worshippers inquired Gurudev about his work. Pujya Gurudev explained to them about the history of ancient scriptures and the importance of their critical editing. After understanding the wide nature of this work, the worshippers decided to institutionalise it. This resulted in the construction of "Shrut Bhavan".

The primary inspiration is to pass on the rich intellectual legacy of Jain thinkers to the generations to come.

The research institute named "Shrut Bhavan Sanshodhan Kendra" is run by "Shrutdeep Research Foundation" (SRF). SRF is registered as an Non-Profit Organization.

The institute was established in 2010 for protecting, cataloging, documenting, editing, and publishing of the ancient manuscripts of India, including Jain Dharma.

In Pune, Shrut Bhavan has well planned and dedicated divisions of research centre, cataloguing centre, printed scripture centre and handwritten scripture centre.

Our Progress and Milestones

Since our inception, we have undertaken and completed many ambitious projects. The projects include the publication of more than nine granthas in ancient languages (Sanaskrit, Prakrit, etc.) and four granthas in contemporary languages (Maru Gurjar, Old Hindi, Apabhransha, etc.)

MILESTONES OF OUR WORK
  • Digitization of more than 1,00,000 manuscripts from over 56 Gyan Bhandars. (55,00,000 pages)
  • Listing of more than 35 Gyan Bhandars with handwritten manuscripts.
  • Scanning, listing, research and editing work by more than 20 young scholars.
  • Listing of more than 7,00,000 manuscripts from more than 300 Gyan Bhandars.
  • Transliteration (Lipiyantar) of more than 660 handwritten manuscripts (16,000 pages)
  • Editing and publishing of 270 unpublished scholarly granthas in 37 books.
  • Free distribution of the published granths without any charge to more than 320 Gyan Bhandars, Research institutes and Universities such as Surat Narmada University, Gujarat University, Bhandarakar Oriental Research Institute, Bharatiay Vidhya Bhavan and others.


FUTURE PLANS
While we have done a lot, there is still more to be done. From research to publications to education, we have many plans. Keep watching this space to know more.

To learn about our work in more detail, please read the FAQ section.

To contribute as a Scholar, Donor or Volunteer, please click here.

Facts and Figures

According to our studies,

THE VAST KNOWLEDGE TREASURES OF JAINISM

  • More than 30,000 original Jain scriptures in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and other languages.
  • More than 50,000 copies in the then Local languages.
  • More than 1,000 libraries of ancient handwritten scripts.
  • More than 10 lakhs ancient manuscripts.

THE CURRENT STATE OF THIS IMMENSE TREASURE

  • Most ancient scriptures are not published.
  • The ones that are published, lack the real meanings.
  • There is no authentic documentation of the number of Jain scriptures.
  • The number of Jain manuscripts is not documented.
  • Many valuable scriptures are sold in abroad.
  • Many unpublished scriptures are perishing in Libraries over a period of time.
  • Many libraries are in petty state owing to lack of care and funds.