या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्ति-रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥ दुर्गा महा मंत्र The foundation stone of Durga Bhawan at Katra was laid on August 18, 2021. Despite the challenges and the difficult topography, amid Corona and the monsoon, in spite of unfavourable circumstances, construction of Durga Bhawan got completed with the biggest miracle being the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi, said the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha while inaugurating the five-storey Durga Bhawan on March 18, 2023 at the Vaihsno Devi temple complex. The bhawan construction has been completed just ahead of Chaitra Navratri 2023. ‘We dedicate Durga Bhawan to the devotees as a symbol of Sanatan culture. Three thousand devotees will be able to stay at Durga Bhawan’, said the Lieutenant Governor. The bhawan encompasses dormitories, prasad counter, reception and Tripti Bhojanalya on the terrace that will enhance the grandeur of the building. The Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage will definitely be easier and accessible. The facilities are not just infrastructure development, said LG. It is the responsibility of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board that the ancient Sanatan tradition be enriched. The easier we can make the journey of the devotees who come to serve the mother, the better it will be, the LG said. Not only nationals but international tourists come here and so do many senior citizens. They face a tough time on these difficult trek roads. They cannot even travel up to Ardh Kumari on horseback. The helicopter service is limited to 1,000 people per day. Hence, the thought of constructing a bhawan for stay came about. A strong network of security has been built with around 500 CCTVs. Soon the devotees will get the facility of integrated digital solution. From accounts to store, all the departmental processes will be able to run smoothly. A large number of elders come to see the divine form of mother and for the convenience of the sick and disabled devotees, the LG asked for cooperation of Katra residents. The Board has also shown concern for those who work at the Bhawan that they should have a decent living accommodation. Arrangements have been made for the stay of 200 workers. Over a long period of time the promotional issues and the issue of temporalisation were existing, gradually every issue has been resolved, the LG stated. Among the spate of infrastructure coming up, an underground cabin worth Rs 86 crore will be completed by April 10. The Skywalk construction will be completed by June 21 at a cost of Rs 16 crore. In the last three years, a ‘Mahayagya of development’ is going on in Jammu and Kashmir, said the LG. The pilgrims and tourists are arriving in great numbers. This soil has fulfilled the aspirations of the people and resolved to pave the way for a bright future of Jammu and Kashmir. And for building a new India, J&K should not be behind, such belief is arising in the youth. Despite all the difficulties and challenges, the standards that are set for these tasks, the future generations will benefit from it. Local citizens, traders and pilgrims, in everyone’s life, providing better resources is our priority, said LG Manoj Sinha. He offered prayers to Mata Vaishno Devi to strengthen the fraternity and to fill them with a sense of compassion.