LG Manoj Sinha Lays Foundation Stone for Iconic Sri Shankaracharya Temple in Katra
Katra, February 18, 2026 — Marking a historic milestone for spiritual tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today laid the foundation stone for the long-awaited Sri Shankaracharya Temple.
Situated on the scenic hillocks adjacent to the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, this project realizes a vision first conceived in the 1960s.
The entire construction cost of ₹31.51 crore will be fully funded by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).
In a gesture of gratitude toward local stakeholders, LG Sinha announced that the board will construct 50 commercial shops within the temple complex to be allotted to the landowners who generously donated 41 kanals of land for this sacred cause.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the new temple will serve as a profound spiritual anchor and a living emblem of India’s eternal cultural consciousness. Beyond its religious significance, the project is designed to be a catalyst for regional prosperity.
LG Sinha noted that the influx of devotees visiting both the Vaishno Devi Shrine and the Sri Shankaracharya Temple will generate significant economic momentum, creating fresh employment opportunities and strengthening local enterprises.
He reiterated that when sacred sites thrive, they unlock new paths to progress for the entire community, reinforcing the Union Territory’s social and cultural identity.
During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor also presided over the ‘Samridh Nari, Samridh Bharat’ program, highlighting a major shift toward economic self-reliance. He announced that the SMVDSB has decided to more than double its annual procurement of Puja Samagri and Prasad from local Self-Help Groups (SHGs), increasing the value from ₹5 crore to ₹12 crore.
This initiative is set to support approximately 1,500 women across Reasi, Udhampur, and Jammu, with a long-term goal of scaling annual purchases to ₹50 crore. This move underscores the board’s commitment to prioritizing local women and young entrepreneurs in the regional supply chain.
Looking toward the future, LG Sinha shared a vision of Katra as a global destination characterized by superior infrastructure and booming business activity. He also highlighted the Gurukul initiative, aimed at channeling Vedic wisdom to the youth to preserve India’s rich civilizational heritage.
By building a world-class cultural and spiritual center, the Shrine Board aims to provide a foundation of lasting stability and boundless opportunity for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The ceremony was attended by senior officials, members of the Shrine Board, and representatives from various women’s self-help groups.