Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday laid the foundation for Rs 14 crore worth of development projects at the spiritual sites of Purmandal and Uttarbehni in Samba district.
The projects include renovation, restoration and revival of the ancient heritage of Purmandal — also known as Chhoti Kashi — with an outlay of Rs 7.15 crore. They also include renovation and restoration works at Uttarbehni at an estimated cost of Rs 6.85 crore, an official spokesperson said.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Lt Gov Sinha said the projects will directly benefit the people of surrounding areas.
“By improving access to these sacred places and enhancing their grandeur and dignity, we are opening the doors of the divine experience of Purmandal and Uttarbehni to spiritual seekers arriving from across the world. This will boost the local economy and empower communities, because every restored brick, every pathway constructed and every tourist who visits this place will contribute directly to the economic prosperity of the region’s people,” Sinha said.
He said the initiative will reconnect the nation’s glorious past with a radiant future.
Purmandal, blessed by the sacred Devika River, has for centuries been a site visited by saints, sages and spiritual seekers, the lieutenant governor said. Its ancient temples, stone carvings, sacred ponds and historical structures reflect outstanding architectural and artistic achievement, much of which was diminished by time and neglect.
Sinha said the old Lakshmi Narayan temple, the Shiva temple and the Ram temple at Purmandal, and the historic temple complexes at Uttarbehni would be restored using a blend of modern conservation techniques and traditional architectural aesthetics.
The restoration would help establish Jammu and Kashmir as a leading spiritual and cultural tourism destination, with improved infrastructure, pathways and lighting creating convenient linkages for pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi, Shiv Khori, the Raghunath temple and Baba Amarnath.
Referring to India’s cultural ethos, he said the preservation of history, sacred knowledge and values rooted in Dharma serves as the lifeline of a nation.
“A nation that forgets its heritage loses its foundation. But a nation that respects, preserves and revives its roots ensures that its future generations stand with confidence, resilience, self-belief and a strong sense of identity,” Sinha said.
Highlighting the economic dimension of heritage tourism in the region, he said it will act as a powerful multiplier for local handicrafts, hospitality, homestays, transport and food establishments, generating livelihood opportunities for youth and new markets for artisans and small entrepreneurs.
Emphasising the inter-generational significance of the project, he said when youth walk through the restored corridors of Purmandal and Uttarbehni and witness the preservation of centuries-old art and culture, it would instil pride and a stronger connection to their roots.
“Our active efforts today to preserve our heritage will bear the fruits of cultural self-confidence, moral strength and social harmony for generations to come. They will protect our young generation from becoming disconnected from its roots and foster a natural reverence for our composite culture and ancient values of life.
“In the journey towards a developed India, preserving our cultural identity is as important as building highways, digital networks and industrial corridors. Physical development gives momentum to the region and cultural heritage gives society direction and soul,” he said.
Sinha reiterated his commitment to strengthening and improving road connectivity to Purmandal and Uttarbehni.
He also appreciated the Samba district administration for providing land for the establishment of Mata Devika Ved Pathshala in Purmandal. Funds for construction of the Ved Pathshala will soon be sanctioned through the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, he said.
