Katra, February 18,2026- In a landmark moment for Jammu & Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone of the long-awaited Sri Shankaracharya Temple, originally conceived in the 1960s, on the adjoining hillocks of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra.
Calling it a historic day for J&K and the nation, the Lieutenant Governor said the wait spanning generations has finally ended. The temple project, with a total estimated expenditure of ₹31.51 crore, will be fully borne by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Major Livelihood Boost for SHGs
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also interacted with women entrepreneurs from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of Reasi and adjoining areas. He announced a significant increase in the annual procurement of Puja Samagri and Prasad from SHGs—from the current ₹5 crore to ₹12 crore—aimed at substantially strengthening livelihood generation in the region.
Officials said the move will empower women-led SHGs, enhance income opportunities, and promote local entrepreneurship linked to the shrine economy.
50 Commercial Shops for Land Donors
In a gesture acknowledging community support, the Shrine Board will construct 50 commercial shops within the temple complex. These shops will be allotted to landowners who donated their land for the sacred cause, ensuring sustainable livelihood opportunities for their families.
The development marks a major step in infrastructure expansion around the shrine and is expected to further boost religious tourism in Katra and the Reasi district.
The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to preserving spiritual heritage while ensuring inclusive growth and economic empowerment for local communities.
