Valmeeki Vidyapeeth

Valmeeki Vidyapeeth, Kathmandu (वाल्मीकि क्याम्पस - Sanskrit College in Kathmandu) is one of Nepal’s oldest and most respected centers for Sanskrit learning. Located in the heart of the capital on Exhibition Road, the campus has played a continuous role in shaping Sanskrit education since its early beginnings in the 1920s.

What sets this institution apart is its commitment to both heritage and relevance. Students study subjects such as Veda, Nyaya, Literature, and Jyotish alongside modern courses in English, Nepali, and the social sciences. It’s a place where classical knowledge is not just preserved—it’s practiced, questioned, and applied.

The Valmeeki Campus is home to a historic library, long-standing hostel facilities, and academic programs that span from introductory language training to postgraduate research. It also offers teacher preparation, yoga, and ritual education, equipping students with skills rooted in tradition but valuable in the present.

Valmiki Vidyapeeth doesn’t try to modernize the past. Instead, it shows how the past still matters, quietly building a generation of learners who understand where knowledge comes from and how to carry it forward.

Key Highlights

Sanskrit Knowledge in the Modern World

The immense knowledge embedded in the world's rich Sanskrit education, Eastern literature, and philosophy serves as the cornerstone of our lifestyle. Our originality is reflected in a life philosophy nurtured by Eastern civilization. Today’s challenge lies in illuminating the significance of Sanskrit, building a cultured and ideal society, and eliminating social distortions and inconsistencies.

Spreading the vast knowledge embedded in Sanskrit literature across society and awakening the spirit of global fraternity has become a need of the times. Scientists have confirmed that Sanskrit is the world’s most structured and computer-compatible language. Its phonetics and grammar are considered more refined than those of any other language.

A global wave of Sanskrit learning is currently rising. In this context, it is essential to internalize Sanskrit’s worldwide influence and recognize it as a shared heritage among all castes, classes, and communities.

National Need and University Establishment

Material and spiritual knowledge are essential for the prosperity of individuals, the nation, and the world. Sanskrit preserves both. To contribute meaningfully to Nepal’s spiritual and material development—and to establish Nepal as a global center of Sanskrit wisdom—Sanskrit education continues to thrive across the country.

To facilitate high-level study and research, Nepal Sanskrit University was founded in 2043 B.S. To achieve its mission, the university has established constituent campuses from the eastern to far western regions of Nepal. Among these, Valmiki Vidyapeeth in Kathmandu stands out as the premier campus due to its historical legacy, impressive infrastructure, and broad academic offerings.

Campus Location and Historical Evolution

Valmiki Vidyapeeth is located in Ward No. 28 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Bagmati Province, on Exhibition Road (Pradarshani Marg), Kathmandu, Nepal.

The Narayanhiti Pathshala, established in 1927 B.S., and the Sanskrit Pathshala, established in 1932 B.S., are considered foundational to this institution.

In 2008 B.S., the Royal Sanskrit College was established, which later operated under the name Valmiki Sanskrit College in 2024 B.S., and finally became Valmiki Vidyapeeth in 2030 B.S.

Since 2030 B.S., the campus has been affiliated with Tribhuvan University’s Institute of Sanskrit Studies. After the establishment of Nepal Sanskrit University (then Mahendra Sanskrit University) in 2043 B.S., Valmiki Vidyapeeth was incorporated as its constituent campus.

Physical Infrastructure

The campus owns a total of 22-12-3-6 ropani of land across Exhibition Road and Durbar Marg, including the Tindhara Sanskrit Hostel. The main buildings include:

• Teaching Building

• Administrative Building

• Library Building

• Tindhara Sanskrit Hostel

Library

The library holds curriculum-based textbooks, as well as ancient handwritten and printed texts. Many rare books, unavailable elsewhere, are preserved at the Valmiki Vidyapeeth library.

Tindhara Sanskrit Hostel

The Tindhara Sanskrit Hostel holds educational, historical, and political importance. Students of this hostel initiated the “Jayatu Sanskritam” movement of 2004 B.S., and it inspired the democratic movement of 2007 B.S.

The hostel was established in 1942 B.S. Prime Minister Dhir Shumsher arranged food, basic clothing, and accommodation for 54 Brahmin students. His son, Veer Shumsher, expanded it to serve 108 students. These scholarships were recognized under titles like “Shree 5” and “Shree 3.” By 2004/05 B.S., the total number of scholarships had reached 210. Additionally, 40–50 other eligible students also benefited informally.

This initiative offered exceptional opportunities to underprivileged yet deserving students, helping to spread Sanskrit education from basic to advanced levels.

Currently, the hostel provides accommodation and meals for 111 students, including 43 from the Sanskrit Secondary School at Rani Pokhari and 68 from Valmiki Vidyapeeth. Admission is merit-based and depends on the availability of vacancies and the results of entrance exams.

Academic Expansion and Evolution

Valmiki Vidyapeeth, located on Exhibition Road under Kathmandu Metropolitan City, is a constituent campus of Nepal Sanskrit University. After the establishment of Rajarajeshwari Pathshala by Jung Bahadur Rana in 1939 B.S., it transformed into Rani Pokhari Pathshala in 1942 B.S., marking the beginning of formal Sanskrit education in the valley.

By 1990 B.S., it had obtained affiliation from the Government Sanskrit College in Varanasi, India, enabling advanced Sanskrit studies. From 2004 B.S., modern subjects were introduced. In 2009 B.S., it became known as the “Royal Sanskrit College,” later renamed Valmiki Sanskrit College in 2024 B.S., and eventually Valmiki Vidyapeeth in 2030 B.S. In 2043 B.S., it was established as a constituent campus under Nepal Sanskrit University.

The campus spans 22-12-3-6 ropani and includes hostel and library facilities. A one-year education program is also conducted at Rani Pokhari.

Objectives

Valmiki Vidyapeeth adheres to the objectives outlined in the preamble of the act that established Nepal Sanskrit University. These include:

• To systematize Sanskrit education up to the highest level

• To study, research, preserve, and promote the academic achievements of Sanskrit in various fields

• To develop Nepal as a hub of Sanskrit wisdom and inspiration

Academic Levels and Subjects at Valmiki Vidyapeeth

Shastri Level (Four Years)

Group A Subjects:

• Rigveda

• Shukla Yajurveda

• Samaveda

• Atharvaveda

• Sanskrit Literature

• Sanskrit Grammar

• Siddhanta Jyotish

• Phalit Jyotish

• Dharma Shastra

• Itihasa-Purana

• Purva Mimamsa

• Tantra

• Navya Nyaya

• Ancient Nyaya

• Sarvadarshana

• Buddhist Philosophy

Group B Subjects:

• Nepali

• English

• Political Science

• Economics

• Mathematics

Compulsory Subjects:

• Nepali

• English

• Core Sanskrit

• Nepal Studies

Acharya Level (Two Years)

Subjects Offered:

• Rigveda

• Shukla Yajurveda

• Samaveda

• Atharvaveda

• Sanskrit Literature

• Sanskrit Grammar

• Siddhanta Jyotish

• Phalit Jyotish

• Dharma Shastra

• Itihasa-Purana

• Purva Mimamsa

• Tantra

• Navya Nyaya

• Ancient Nyaya

• Sarvadarshana

• Buddhist Philosophy

Uttarmadhyama

• Compulsory subjects: Nepali, English, Sanskrit Vyakarana, Sanskrit Rachana, Nepal Parichaya

• Group A (Any one): Veda Vyakarana, Etihas puran, Hindi Nitishastra Maithili Bauddha Darshan Prachya Rajshastra Jyautisha Nyaya

• Group B (Any one): Nepali, English, Political Science, Economics, Mathematics

One-Year Education Program (Rani Pokhari, Kathmandu)

Core Subjects:

• Foundations of Education

• Educational Psychology

• Teaching Practice

Specializations:

• Sanskrit Education

• Nepali Education

• Social Studies Education

• English Education

• Mathematics Education

Training Programs

Sanskrit Language Training

Valmiki Vidyapeeth conducts a regular Sanskrit language training program approved by Nepal Sanskrit University. This program is designed for students who have completed Grade 12 or equivalent but have not studied Sanskrit. Upon passing the exam after this course, they become eligible to enroll in the Shastri (Bachelor's) level at any campus under Nepal Sanskrit University.

Yoga Training

The campus offers a six-month theoretical and practical yoga training program led by expert instructors. The course includes training in yogasanas, pranayama, meditation, dietary routines, and wellness practices. As of the end of Chaitra 2080 B.S., more than 2,500 trainees have benefited from this program.

Karmakanda Training

To meet the growing demand for classically trained priests in society, Valmiki Vidyapeeth runs a regular six-month ritual (Karmakanda) training program at both basic and intermediate levels.

Sanskrit Language Training for Foreign Nationals

For foreigners interested in learning Sanskrit, the campus offers a structured six-month language training course.

Principal’s Message – Prof. Achyut Prasad Lamichhane

“Sanskrit is the Root of Culture.”
Valmeeki Vidyapeeth is a constituent campus of Nepal Sanskrit University located on Exhibition Road, Kathmandu. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Subjects include Veda, Vedanta, Nyaya, Purva Mimamsa, Dharma Shastra, Itihasa-Purana, Tantra, Jyotish, Sarvadarshana, Buddhist Philosophy, Grammar, and Literature under Group A electives in Shastri and Acharya levels.

Compulsory and optional subjects such as Nepali and English are taught at the undergraduate level, along with optional courses in Mathematics, Economics, and Political Science. Additional programs include:

• Yoga and Naturopathy

• Ritual Training (Karmakanda)

• A six-month non-degree Prak-Shastri course for students without a prior Sanskrit background

Sanskrit, as the potential future leader of global language, is also the mother of many world languages. Valmiki Vidyapeeth cannot and should not remain isolated from information and communication in today’s digital era.

This is the age of information and technology. It is necessary to bring forth the hidden knowledge of Sanskrit literature into the public sphere. Scholars of Eastern literature must make significant contributions to their respective fields by utilizing technology.

The Western world has adopted our Vedas, Vedangas, and Upanishads and applied them practically to lead the world through innovation. Now, it is our responsibility to recognize the strength of our knowledge and empower our society accordingly.

In this effort, Valmiki Vidyapeeth is launching its official website to organize and share its academic activities, research, seminars, publications, and events with the public.

On this auspicious occasion, I extend my best wishes to all Sanskrit enthusiasts and express my hope that our journey with Sanskrit becomes integrated with technology.