The University, named after the illustrious sage and philosopher Sree Sankaracharya, was established in the year1993 in Kalady, on the banks of the river Poorna in Kerala. The primary objectives of the University are to impart knowledge in various branches of Sanskrit as well as Indology, Indian Culture, Indian Languages, Indian Philosophy, Fine Arts, Foreign Languages and Social Science and to promote the study and research of Sanskrit through simultaneous promotion of other languages in India and abroad that have enriched the study of Sanskrit. The University also works towards the Publication and preservation of manuscripts and books in Sanskrit and other languages. The University is currently functioning through nine Regional Centres, namely Thiruvananthapuram, Panmana, Thuravoor, Ettumanoor, Kalady (Main Campus), Thrissur, Tirur, Koyilandy and Payyannur. The Kerala Kalamandalam, internationally acclaimed for Kerala Classical Arts, has recently been added to the University as a recognized institution.