JAMMU, Feb 17: The long awaited Shri Shankaracharya temple dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya is set to come up in the Trikuta hills of Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is scheduled to lay the foundation stone on Wednesday, marking a historic milestone nearly six decades after the project was first proposed in 1967.
The Trikuta hills, already home to the famous Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, will now also host this state of the art temple complex, designed to enhance the spiritual experience for devotees. The project is part of the LG’s vision to strengthen religious tourism in the region, following plans for a museum of goddesses at Katra, which will feature replicas and representations of major ‘devi’ pilgrimage sites across India.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has planned the construction of the temple on 41 kanals of land donated by local landowners, with facilities including an access road, public utilities, and 50 commercial shops for the community. The project, estimated at Rs 31.51 crore, is expected to improve infrastructure, create employment opportunities, and stimulate regional economic growth.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between SMVDSB and the landowners was signed in 2025, enabling the development of essential pilgrim amenities such as toilets, water points, and a motorable access track. Officials emphasized that the temple will serve as a vibrant spiritual hub while promoting inclusive development of local communities.
The foundation laying ceremony is being hailed as a landmark event for the Union Territory and the nation, bringing to fruition decades of planning and anticipation.