HISTORY

In the pre-independence days, modern education was introduced by the British Government. As a result, Pune became one of the most progressive centres of higher education in the Arts and Sciences. Between 1921 and 1930, the National Education Movement gained momentum, leading to the establishment of several cultural and educational institutions.

One such institution is the Vaidika Saṁśodhana Maṇḍala (hereinafter referred to as VSM). Among the founding members of VSM were the Late Mahābhāratācārya Chitamanrao Vaidya, Shivarampant Paranjape, Sāhityācārya N. C. Kelkar, and Vaijanath Kashinath Rajwade. Although VSM was founded on 1st August 1928, it was formally registered in July 1939. The institute takes pride in the involvement of great scholars such as J. S. Karandikar and S. V. Chitrav, who may also be regarded as founding contributors.

VSM is registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 and the Bombay Public Trusts Act of 1950 – F46.

The aims and objectives of VSM are as follows:

• To provide facilities for higher studies in Vedic literature.
• To collect books and manuscripts related to Vedic studies.
• To publish original Vedic texts along with commentaries.
• To publish auxiliary literature such as indices, lexicons, notes, and original contributions.
• To carry out research in the field of the Vedas.
• To formulate and implement plans to facilitate these projects.

After its establishment in 1928, the Late Dr. C. G. Kashikar joined VSM in 1933 as Secretary and Editor. He collaborated with the Late Paṇḍit Sontakke on an ambitious research project to publish a new critical edition of the Ṛgveda with Sāyaṇa’s commentary.

This critical edition followed the principles laid down by Max Müller, but it also incorporated newly available manuscripts and, notably, took into account the oral tradition. As a result, this edition provided a more accurate version of both the Saṁhitā and the commentary, including a critical edition of the Khila Sūktas of the Ṛgveda. It has since been recognized as a major contribution to Vedic scholarship.

In 1960–61, VSM moved into its own spacious building. The foundation stone was laid by Dr. Humayun Kabir, the then Minister of Education, Government of India. The Government of India and the State Government sanctioned grants towards its construction. The building, remarkable in its architectural form, was inaugurated by the Late Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, then President of India.

Dr. C. G. Kashikar later undertook another major project — the Śrautakośa. He completed the first part of Volume I, which included the Agniṣṭoma section, in 1970.

To further its objectives, VSM resolved to publish an authentic edition of the Kṛṣṇa Yajurveda Taittirīya Saṁhitā along with its Padapāṭha and traditional commentaries. Dr. T. N. Dharmadhikari took responsibility for this project, which began in 1960 and reached completion in 2007 — a scholarly endeavour spanning nearly five decades.

Recognizing the linguistic, mythological, and cultural affinities between the Veda and the Avesta (the sacred scriptures of Zoroastrianism), VSM established an Avestan Study Centre in 1951. The Late Prof. I. J. S. Taraporewala, a renowned scholar of Vedic and Avestan studies, was appointed the first Honorary Director of the Centre. He was succeeded by Prof. M. F. Kanga, a reputed scholar in Avestan and Pahlavi. The tradition was carried forward by High Priest Dr. Rooyintan Peer until the end of the 20th century, after which Prof. M. A. Mehendale, a distinguished Indologist, continued teaching Avesta until 2005.

In 1983, when VSM was accorded the status of an Adarsha Saṁskṛta Śodha Saṁsthā, Dr. T. N. Dharmadhikari was appointed as its first Director.

Over the years, VSM has received several honours and awards in recognition of its academic and cultural contributions. These include the Athalye Guruji Puraskar from the Athalye family in 2001, and the Sarasvatī Upāsanā Puraskāra from Ghaisas Guruji Vedapāṭhaśālā Vedabhavan in 2007. Most recently, in 2025, VSM was awarded the India Reading Olympiad for providing outstanding study material in the field of Manuscriptology through various workshops and seminars.

Currently, the fourth generation of scholars is actively working at VSM. True to its founding mission, the institute continues to progress in the field of Vedic and Sanskrit research. Despite challenges, VSM has successfully published 102 books, including DVDs, in its long and inspiring journey. On 1st August 2026, the VSM completed 98 years of its committed service to the academic and cultural landscape of India.