The Shantarakshita library is the only one of its kind in India, having the richest collections of ancient Indian literature in original Sanskrit manuscripts and Tibetan translations. The collections of the Shantarakshita library has been accumulated in accordance with the objectives of CIHTS, declared by the Government of India as an "Institute of national importance."

This library is named after and Indian Acharya, Shantarakshita, who visited Tibet in the 8th century. This library is unique in that it possesses the most valuable buddhist canonical and non-canonical works in one location. A substantial number of books in the fields of Buddhist, Tibetan, and Himalayan Studies and related subjects enriches the library's collection and attracts scholars from all over the world.

The Shantarakshita Library is equipped with the latest modern facilities and instruments. Copies of Buddhist manuscripts in Sanskrit and Tibetan are acquired from various libraries and research centres from around the world and are preserved on microfiche and microfilms in specially air-conditioned rooms.

Collection:
Macro-documents (books and pothis)

As of the end of 2003, the Shantarakshita library has accumulated over 56,000 books on Buddhist/Tibetan/Indian and Himalayan Studies.

1. 25,833 of these books are in English
2. 13,317 in Tibetan
3. 7,138 in Hindi
4. 6,096 in Sanskrit
5. 26,10 Multilingual
6. 1,553 Other

The following collections (Buddhist Tripitaka preserved in various languages & scripts) form the major and unique holding of this specialised library. The Shantarakshita library is the only library in India who possess this major collection under the one roof.

>> Various Editions of Pali Tripitaka in different scripts

1. Pali Tripitaka with English translations (Roman Script), published by the Pali Text Society, London
2. Pali Tripitaka (Davanagari), edited and published by Nava Nalanda Mahavihar, Nalanda
3. Dharmagiri-Pali-Granthamala (Devanagari), edited and published by Vipassana Research Institute, Igatpuri
4. Burmese Edition Pali Tripitaka (Burmese), edited and published by Marammarate Buddhasasana Samiti
5. Buddhajayanti Tripitaka Series (Singalese)

>> Various Editions of Tibetan Tripitaka

The Tibetan Tripitaka contains over 5500 titles of ancient Indian literature whose original Sanskrit have been lost. It covers all of the five greater sciences (panch mahavidya) and were translated into Tibetan from the 7th century to the 16th century.

Kangyur
- the translation of Buddha Vacana from Sanskrit and other Indian languages into Tibetan from 7th century to 16th century

Tangyur
- the translation of shastras from Sanskrit and other Indian languages from 7th century to 16th century

>> Microfiche

Tibetan Texts
- Microfiche procured from Advance Institute of World Religious Studies, New York, USA

Sanskrit Manuscripts
- Buddhist Manuscripts acquired from AIWRS, USA       483 titles

Journals/Reports/Catalogues

1. Complete issues of 42 international journals
2. Reports of the Archaeological Survey of India, published from various parts of India
3. 30 descriptive catalogues of Sanskrit manuscripts preserved in various libraries and institutions world-wide.

>> Microfilm

The Shantarakshita library has 1200 titles in 6500 audio cassettes of teachings, talks, and seminar lectures by distinguished scholars in the fields of Buddhist, Tibetan, Indian, and Himalayan studies and related topics. About 75% of the audio materials were purchased from other sources, 25% recorded by library staff at CIHTS.

The library also has 210 titles in 323 video cassettes on the above said topics. These were also both purchased from outside sources as well as recorded here at CIHTS.

Journals and Periodicals on Buddhist/Tibetan/Indian/Himalayan Studies

The status of journals received on subscription/exchange/donations