Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurates new Yatri Bhawan at Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal
SRINAGAR, June 5, 2026The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated a newly constructed Yatri Bhawan at the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience. After dedicating the new facilities to the public, the Lieutenant Governor stated that the accommodation will substantially improve the stay for devotees by providing safe, hygienic, and comfortable lodging.
The Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple is recognized as one of the most revered shrines in Jammu Kashmir, situated about 25 kilometers from Srinagar and 5 kilometers from Ganderbal town. It attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year, especially during the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani and Jyeshtha Ashtami, drawing thousands of pilgrims including members of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
The project was initiated after several delegations met with the Lieutenant Governor in 2023 to formally request a dedicated lodging facility. Following these discussions, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, through the Rural Engineering Wing, designed the construction plan, and the Lieutenant Governor subsequently laid the foundation stone on Jyeshtha Ashtami in 2024.
He noted that the completed project will significantly enhance the capacity of the shrine to host pilgrims arriving from across India and abroad, fulfills a long-standing demand, and aims to provide the Kashmiri Pandit community with excellent facilities and a serene spiritual experience during their visit.
Built directly within the temple premises at a total cost of 3.85 crore rupees, the facility features a G+II RCC framed structure covering a plinth area of 3,885 square feet. The building is specifically designed to comfortably accommodate approximately 800 to 900 pilgrims utilizing floor bedding arrangements.
Prior to the formal inauguration ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance at the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple and offered prayers for the peace, prosperity, and general well-being of the entire region.