Katra, Feb 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the long-awaited Sri Shankaracharya Temple near the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, a project conceptualized in the 1960s. The ₹31.51 crore temple complex will be fully funded by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).
As part of the project, 50 commercial shops will be constructed within the temple complex and allotted to landowners who donated 41 Kanals for the sacred cause under a 2025 MoU. The LG said the temple will become a spiritual hub for millions, boosting regional tourism, creating jobs, and strengthening local enterprises.
During his visit, Sinha also presided over the ‘Samridh Nari, Samridh Bharat’ program, interacting with women entrepreneurs from Self-Help Groups in Reasi and adjoining areas. He emphasized SMVDSB’s commitment to leveraging spiritual hubs for economic growth, prioritizing local employment, and supporting youth and women-led enterprises.
Under the Gurukul initiative, the LG highlighted efforts to impart Vedic education to youth to preserve India’s civilizational heritage. The project aims to transform Katra into a global spiritual and cultural hub, combining faith, infrastructure development, and economic opportunities.