Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Katra, February 18, 2026: In a landmark development for the holy town of Katra, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone of the long envisioned Sri Shankaracharya Temple, a project first conceived in the 1960s. The temple complex, to be developed at a cost of Rs 31.51 crore, will be fully funded by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Under an MoU signed in 2025, local landowners donated 41 kanals for the sacred project. In recognition, the Shrine Board will construct 50 commercial shops within the complex for allotment to the donating families.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor described the upcoming temple as a spiritual anchor for millions and a symbol of India’s enduring civilizational ethos. He noted that pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi Shrine would also visit the new temple, generating fresh economic momentum, employment, and enterprise across the region.
During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor also chaired the Samridh Nari, Samridh Bharat programme, interacting with women entrepreneurs from Self Help Groups in Reasi and adjoining districts. He announced that annual procurement of Puja Samagri and Prasad from SHGs would increase from Rs 5 crore to Rs 12 crore, with plans to scale purchases to Rs 50 crore in the coming years. The initiative will induct 20 additional SHGs into the supply chain, supporting nearly 1,500 women.
Reaffirming the Shrine Board’s commitment to preserving vibrant spiritual hubs, he outlined plans to develop Katra into a premier cultural and spiritual destination with improved infrastructure, investment inflows, and expanded opportunities for youth. He also announced a Gurukul initiative aimed at promoting Vedic education and nurturing custodians of sacred traditions.
Senior officials, Shrine Board members, civil administration, police officers, and representatives of women self help groups attended the ceremony.
