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Sanskrit Buddhist Manuscripts in International Buddhist Library at Svayambhu in urgent need of preservation.

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  • Sanskrit Buddhist Manuscripts in International Buddhist Library at Svayambhu in urgent need of preservation.
The Svayambhu Stupa is the most sacred and holiest place in the Kathmandu Valley. The stupa became the center of Newar Buddhist tradition. To the right of Hariti temple in the Svayambhu premise, there is a two-story Bahi facing east. The Hariti temple stands just adjacent to the entrance of the Bahi. Faithful donors of Svayambhu Bahi gave a room on the ground floor of the Bahi to Svayambhu Vikash Mandal which established the International Buddhist Library in 1970 AD. There are more than a hundred Buddhist Sanskrit Manuscripts in its collection. But due to the 2015 earthquake, the Bahi which houses them went into serious disrepair and the manuscripts also were left derelict. But two years ago, we had an opportunity to visit the library in which we witnessed the extremely deplorable status of the manuscripts, which if not preserved in the electronic form right now, may be in danger of further damage and getting lost. In order to take a concrete initiative to preserve them, the NIBS is trying to discuss with the authorities of Svayambhu Vikash Mandal. They also seem to be positive, but the decision is still pending.