SMVDSB plans global spiritual makeover of Vaishno Devi shrine

Jammu, Feb 8: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) in its meeting held on Sunday has taken a series of high-impact decisions to completely transform the shrine and its surrounding region into countryís leading and most vibrant spiritual destination-earning worldwide acclaim.

The meeting was chaired by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the SMVDSB.

The board approved three key initiatives: an international museum dedicated to spiritual heritage, a sound-and-light spectacle modeled on global pilgrimage sites, and a documentary on the Vaishno Devi shrine.

In another important initiative, the SMVDSB has decided to fill vacant positions, with recruitment process set to begin shortly.

The SMVDSB has also greenlit the establishment of coaching centers offering free NEET preparation to youth from surrounding areas.

The SMVDSB approved formulation and phased implementation of a rehabilitation plan for the service providers on the Vaishno Devi track, like ponywallas in line with the directives of the National Green Tribunal.

A committee has been constituted to assess strategies for expanding pilgrimage numbers, enhancing pilgrimage experience and present recommendations to the board.

SMVDSB has resolved to prioritise purchases from self-help groups, women, and young local entrepreneurs to supercharge regional economy.

The board has decided that the SMVDSB would source shrine offerings locally, channeling funds directly into community growth.

Since the shrine puts Katra city on the global map, the board has decided to contribute directly for city’s transformation.

ìItís boardís resolve to make Katra clean, vibrant, and equipped with modern infrastructure for residents and the millions who arrive as pilgrims,î LG Sinha said.

SMVDSB has decided to spearhead sports development across the Jammu region- cultivating future champions, safeguarding youth health, and transforming J&K into a national sporting powerhouse alongside its spiritual eminence.

The board also emphasised on specialised training for Pujaris.

The board reviewed and ratified actions taken since the previous meeting and took key decisions on 25 important agenda items aimed at strengthening the boardís functioning and improving yatri services.

Emphasising yatri safety, the board approved enhancement of insurance cover from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per yatri.  Besides, it endorsed the preliminary concept for constructing an international museum with the consultation of Asian Heritage Foundation dedicated to Vaishno Devi shrine at Natali, Katra.

The proposed Shakti Museum will be the first of its kind and would serve as a religious, educational, and cultural center.  Additionally, the state-of-the-art light and sound shows will bring mythology to life through a fusion of tradition and innovation.

LG Sinha requested the board to provide concrete suggestions, enabling the project to be initiated in the coming months and completed within a two-year timeframe.

Progress of major infrastructure projects was reviewed including construction of the exit track at the Bhawan, New Vaishnavi Bhawan, widening of the yatra track from Sanjichhat to Bhawan, slope stabilisation works, construction of Shankaracharya Temple and allied amenities at Katra and School for Divyangjan at Chaitanya Ashram, Jammu.

The board directed strict adherence to timelines while ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.

Regarding the newly developed helipad at Village Hutt, the board approved that execution of a revised Memorandum of Understanding.

SMVDSB will provide a one-time financial grant to Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board under the Shrine Act for development and upgradation of pilgrim infrastructure.

It was also approved that heli services for both shrines will operate from the same helipad for the convenience of yatris. The board appreciated the community welfare initiatives of renovating 15 schools in Reasi and Udhampur districts damaged during the heavy rains of August-September 2025 within five months.

The board lauded the initiative of establishing a Sadhna Kaksh (meditation hall) at Bhawan, terming it a significant step towards enriching the spiritual wellbeing of yatris.

Approval was also accorded for grant-in-aid to institutions under the SMVD Charitable Society, including gurukul, hospital, sports complex, and college of nursing.

The board appreciated the greening initiatives undertaken by SMVDSB and approved a comprehensive Annual Green Plan for 2026ñ27.

LG Sinha directed the CEO to reaffirm the commitment to environmental sustainability with particular emphasis on promoting a clean and green Katra town and its surrounding areas.

On the sidelines of the meeting, LG Sinha laid foundation stones for several yatri-centric facilities aimed at enhancing infrastructure and spiritual experience.

These included construction of three new temples in Reasi district, restoration of two temples in Jammu district at an estimated cost Rs 1.21 crore, redevelopment of the Bhairon Ji Temple Complex, and construction of staff accommodation at Bhawan and Bhairon Ji.

LG Sinha also inaugurated newly-constructed cottages at Katra and launched an improvised Pouch Prasad containing dry fruits, an engraved coin depicting the holy Pindies and a sacred Mouli (Kalava) for free distribution among yatri.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB,

Sachin Kumar Vaishya presented a detailed overview of the boardís activities and progress achieved in implementation of decisions taken during previous meetings.

The meeting was attended by all board members including Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Baleshwar Rai, Ashok Bhan, Sudha Murty, Gunjan Rana, K K Talwar, Kulbhushan Ahuja, Lalit Bhasin, and Suresh Kumar Sharma.

Principal Secretary to LG, Mandeep K Bhandari also attended the meeting.