A University Guided by Dharma Legends
KJ Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies (KJSIDS) is a uniquely dedicated academic institution committed to the serious study of India's living philosophical and spiritual traditions — part of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, one of India's leading private universities.
Founded on a belief in the living power of wisdom
KJSIDS was founded on a simple but profound belief: that the great wisdom traditions of India deserve the same rigorous academic attention given to any other field of human knowledge. We don't simply study these traditions from the outside — we engage with them from within, bringing both scholarly discipline and living practice to every programme we offer.
Our students don't just read ancient texts — they practise meditation, chant Sanskrit, debate Jain philosophy, and conduct archaeological fieldwork. Education at KJSIDS is not a transaction; it is a transformation.
Dharma gives you an education that teaches you how to master your mind — how to live with purpose, clarity, and deep inner rootedness, no matter what path you choose in life.
Founded and blessed by some of the most revered spiritual and intellectual figures of our time.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
“When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.”
Inaugurated the Centre for Buddhist Studies
Shri Mahaprajna Acharya
“Mere intellectual development can't help in building real experience and character of the student.”
Established the Centre for Studies in Jainism
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
“Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.”
Visited KJSIDS and inspired students
Dr. Sonam Wangchuk
“Heritage is not what we see, but what we live.”
Partnering to preserve India's cultural heritage
An inter-disciplinary approach to Dharma education
KJSIDS is home to three specialised institutions that together cover the breadth of India's great philosophical traditions. Each centre brings together scholars, practitioners, and students in a living community of inquiry — where textual study, contemplative practice, and original research reinforce each other.
Bharatiya Sanskriti Peetham
Centre for Hindu & Sanskrit Studies
A dedicated home for the academic study of Hindu philosophy, Vedic literature, Sanskrit language, and the civilisational history of India. The Peetham nurtures both scholarly rigour and lived cultural connection.
Centre for Buddhist Studies
Inaugurated by the Dalai Lama
One of India's finest centres for the study of Buddhist philosophy, Pali language, and Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna traditions. Students engage with primary texts and meditative traditions from across the Buddhist world.
Centre for Studies in Jainism
Established by Shri Mahaprajna Acharya
A unique centre dedicated to Jain philosophy, Prakrit language, Jain art and architecture, and the global relevance of Ahiṃsā and Anekāntavāda. Guided by the tradition of the 10th Head of Jainism.
If you are a genuine seeker of knowledge, this is where your journey begins.
6 departments · 18+ programmes · Scholarships up to 90%