LG Manoj Sinha Lays Foundation Stone for Long-Awaited Sri Shankaracharya Temple at Katra, Marking End of Generations-Long Wait; Syed Irfan Hashmi
Katra, Jammu & Kashmir – February 18, 2026 – In a momentous occasion that ends a wait spanning generations, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone for the Sri Shankaracharya Temple today on the adjoining hillocks of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra. Originally conceived in the 1960s, this sacred project fulfills a long-cherished dream for Jammu & Kashmir UT and the nation, ensuring its place in history.
The temple complex, with a total expenditure of Rs. 31.51 crore, will be fully funded and constructed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. As part of the development, the Board will build 50 commercial shops within the complex, to be allotted to the landowners who generously donated their land for this pious cause.
Shri Manoj Sinha expressed profound joy, stating, “The wait that stretched across generations has finally ended. J&K UT & the nation will remember this day forever.” The event underscores the commitment to preserving and promoting spiritual heritage while honoring community contributions.
The shrine board’s initiative not only enhances pilgrimage infrastructure but also supports local stakeholders, blending devotion with economic empowerment.
BY SYED IRFAN HASHMI
