About
Our Story
A Journey of Scholarly Exploration
The Institute for Vaishnava Studies (IVS) was incorporated on December 13th, 1982. Our nonprofit research center is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and culture embedded within Vaishnavism, which is arguably Hinduism’s most extensive lived tradition. At the IVS we are dedicated to understanding this phenomenon by curating, preserving, and educating people about the critical aspects of Vaishnavism.
The IVS started in the 1980’s with a grant from the Smithsonian for the “Matsya Project.” With the help of the grant, over 100,000 pages of rare Vaishnava manuscripts were procured, curated, and preserved in microform. Over the years, we have tirelessly strived to unravel the intricacies of this ancient spiritual discipline. The IVS contributes by facilitating scholars and research endeavors, and delving deep into Vaishnavism’s rich history, scriptures, and practices. In 2022, we started our first cohort of the Executive Research Master’s Fellowship after receiving authorization from the Commission of Independent Education, and the Florida Department of Education in 2021. With their approval, the IVS has been a theological degree-granting institute, which is currently non-accredited.
Governance
Under the leadership of the new director, our institute received authorization to grand noncredit degrees which “prepare students for religious vocations as ministers, professionals, or laypersons in the categories of ministry, counseling, theology, education, administration, music, fine arts, media communications, or social work.”
The Institute for Vaishnava Studies is led by a Board of Trustees which meets bi-annually. Thus, the IVS is self-governed through various standing and ad-hoc committees overseen by our team of fellows. Efforts are coordinated by our Director, who also serves on the Board of Trustees. The Journal of Vaishnava Studies has a separate dedicated team of professionals publishing two curated edited volumes a year and are currently working to publish all our past archives online through an Open Journal System software.
