LG Sinha Lays Foundation of Shankaracharya Temple in Katra | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the long-planned Sri Shankaracharya Temple in Katra, a Rs 31.51 crore project fully funded by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The temple is expected to become a major spiritual destination complementing the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.

The Lieutenant Governor announced that the Shrine Board will construct 50 commercial shops within the temple complex, which will be allotted to landowners who donated 41 kanals for the project under a 2025 Memorandum of Understanding.

Speaking at the event, LG Sinha said the temple will serve as a spiritual anchor for millions of devotees while generating economic momentum, creating jobs, strengthening local businesses, and supporting regional development.

During his visit, he presided over the ‘Samridh Nari, Samridh Bharat’ programme at the Spiritual Growth Centre and interacted with women entrepreneurs from self-help groups in Reasi and neighbouring districts. He highlighted initiatives to increase procurement of Puja material and Prasad from SHGs from Rs 5 crore to Rs 12 crore annually, with plans to expand to Rs 50 crore in coming years, benefiting around 1,500 women across Reasi, Udhampur, and Jammu.

LG Sinha also emphasised the Gurukul initiative to channel Vedic education to youth, nurture traditional knowledge, and strengthen cultural heritage. He outlined his vision for Katra to develop a global identity with investments, upgraded infrastructure, thriving businesses, and opportunities for young people.

Senior officials of the Shrine Board, civil administration, police, and members of women self-help groups attended the ceremony, including Suresh Kumar Sharma, Gunjan Rana, Prof Pragati Kumar, and Sachin Kumar Vaishya.