Srinagar, June 5 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday inaugurated a newly constructed Yatri Bhawan at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla area of Ganderbal district, aimed at improving accommodation facilities for pilgrims visiting the shrine.
After dedicating the facility to the public, Sinha said the Yatri Bhawan would significantly enhance the pilgrimage experience by providing safe, hygienic and comfortable lodging facilities for devotees.
Located in Tulmulla, around 25 kilometres from Srinagar and five kilometres from Ganderbal town, the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple is one of the most revered shrines in Jammu and Kashmir and attracts thousands of devotees, particularly during the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani and Jyeshtha Ashtami celebrations.
The Lieutenant Governor said the project was conceived following requests from several delegations in 2023 seeking improved facilities for pilgrims. The foundation stone for the Yatri Bhawan was laid on Jyeshtha Ashtami in 2024.
“With the blessings of Mata Kheer Bhawani, I had laid the foundation stone last year. The project will strengthen the shrine’s capacity to host pilgrims visiting from across India and abroad. Our endeavour has been to provide members of the Kashmiri Pandit community and other devotees with better facilities and a peaceful spiritual experience,” Sinha said.
Constructed within the temple premises at a cost of Rs 3.85 crore, the facility comprises a G+II RCC framed structure with a plinth area of 3,885 square feet. It has the capacity to accommodate around 800 to 900 pilgrims through floor bedding arrangements.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance at the temple and prayed for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people, officials said.(NVI)
