Katra, Feb 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Today laid the foundation stone of the long-awaited Sri Shankaracharya Temple in Katra, marking the commencement of a major spiritual infrastructure project near the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple.
The temple complex, estimated to cost Rs 31.51 crore, will be fully funded by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The Shrine Board will also construct 50 commercial shops within the complex, to be allotted to landowners who donated land for the project. An MoU executed in 2025 records the voluntary donation of 41 kanals of land by the concerned landowners.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the Sri Shankaracharya Temple would emerge as a major spiritual centre for devotees and contribute to the region’s socio-economic development. He noted that pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine are expected to visit the new temple as well, generating economic activity, employment and business opportunities in the area.
During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor also presided over the ‘Samridh Nari, Samridh Bharat’ programme at the Spiritual Growth Centre, where he interacted with women entrepreneurs associated with self-help groups (SHGs) from Reasi and adjoining districts. He reiterated the Shrine Board’s commitment to ensuring the comfort, safety and dignity of devotees while strengthening local livelihoods.
Highlighting recent decisions of the Shrine Board, he said measures have been approved to develop the shrine and surrounding areas into a premier spiritual hub. These include prioritising procurement from local SHGs, women and young entrepreneurs. The Board will increase its annual procurement of puja samagri and prasad from SHGs from Rs 5 crore to Rs 12 crore, with plans to scale total annual purchases to Rs 50 crore in the coming years. The initiative is expected to onboard 20 additional SHGs and support the livelihoods of around 1,500 women in Reasi, Udhampur and Jammu districts.
The Lieutenant Governor said the administration would promote Vedic education among youth through a Gurukul initiative led by the Shrine Board, aimed at preserving traditional knowledge and religious practices. He also outlined a vision of developing Katra into a globally recognised spiritual destination with improved infrastructure, expanded business activity and enhanced opportunities for young people.
Among those present on the occasion were members of the Shrine Board, senior civil and police officials, representatives of local administration and members of women self-help groups.
