In Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone for the Shankaracharya Temple in Katra, marking a significant addition to the religious and spiritual infrastructure of the pilgrimage town. An Akashvani Jammu correspondent reports that the ceremony was conducted with traditional rituals and Vedic chanting, in the presence of senior officials, members of the shrine board, religious leaders, and devotees.
The proposed temple is envisioned as a prominent spiritual landmark that will enhance the religious landscape of Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the revered Vaishno Devi Temple. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized the importance of preserving India's spiritual traditions while simultaneously developing world-class facilities for devotees. He stated that the temple would serve as a centre of faith, knowledge, and cultural pride for generations to come.