J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha recently opened the Yatri Bhawan at the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple shrine in Ganderbal district. This new facility, located in Tulamulla town, aims to enhance the pilgrimage experience by offering safe and comfortable accommodation. The Mata Kheer Bhawani temple is a revered shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, attracting numerous devotees annually.
The Yatri Bhawan project was initiated following requests from various delegations in 2023. The Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, with the Rural Engineering Wing, designed the plan, and the foundation stone was laid by the Lt Governor in 2024. The construction, costing Rs 3.85 crore, includes a G+II RCC framed structure within the temple premises, providing accommodation for around 800–900 pilgrims.
Expressing his vision for the project, the Lt Governor highlighted the goal of offering excellent facilities to the visiting Kashmiri Pandit community. The facility is designed to host pilgrims from both India and abroad, aiming to provide a serene spiritual experience. Before the inauguration, the Lt Governor also visited the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple to offer prayers for peace, prosperity, and well-being.
