LG Sinha Launches Rs. 14-Crore Heritage Restoration Projects at Purmandal and Uttervehini
JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 20: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday laid the foundation stones for major renovation, restoration and development projects at the historic Purmandal and sacred Uttervehini sites in Jammu division, with a combined estimated cost of over Rs. 14 crore.
The projects include works worth Rs. 7.15 crore for the restoration and revival of Purmandal’s ancient heritage and Rs. 6.85 crore for renovation, restoration and related development at Uttervehini.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the initiative was not merely about restoring old structures but about reconnecting the nation’s cultural heritage with its future.
He said the preservation of history, sacred knowledge and traditional values was essential for strengthening cultural identity and ensuring that future generations remained connected with their roots.
“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.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the historical and spiritual significance of Purmandal, located along the sacred Devika River, noting that the area has for centuries attracted saints, sages and spiritual seekers. Its ancient temples, stone carvings, sacred ponds and other historic structures, he said, represent a rich architectural and cultural legacy that has suffered from the passage of time and neglect.
Under the restoration initiative, the old Lakshmi Narayan Temple, old Shiva Temple and old Ram Temple at Purmandal, along with historic temple complexes at Uttervehini, will be renovated using modern conservation techniques while retaining traditional architectural aesthetics.
Sinha said the projects would also strengthen Jammu Kashmir’s potential as a destination for spiritual and cultural tourism. Improved infrastructure, pathways and lighting are expected to facilitate pilgrim movement and create better linkages with major religious destinations, including Mata Vaishno Devi, Shiv Khori, Raghunath Temple and Baba Amarnath Ji.
Referring to the economic potential of heritage tourism, the Lieutenant Governor said the restoration of these sites would create opportunities for local handicrafts, hospitality, homestays, transport and food-related businesses while generating new avenues of livelihood for youth, artisans and small entrepreneurs.
“By improving access to these sacred places and enhancing their grandeur and dignity, we are opening the doors to the divine spiritual experience of Purmandal and Uttervehini for spiritual seekers arriving from different parts of the country and the world,” he said.
He added that the restoration programme would directly benefit communities in the surrounding areas by increasing visitor footfall and supporting local economic activity.
The Lieutenant Governor also underlined the importance of preserving heritage for future generations, saying that exposure to restored temples, traditional architecture and centuries-old art and culture would help young people develop a stronger connection with their cultural 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,” Sinha said.
“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 added.
Sinha reiterated the administration’s commitment to improving road connectivity to Purmandal and Uttervehini.
He also appreciated the Samba district administration for providing land for the establishment of the Mata Devika Ved Pathshala at Purmandal. He said funds for construction of the Ved Pathshala would soon be sanctioned through the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
The Lieutenant Governor also launched the GCC Gurha Slathia magazine on the occasion.
Member of Legislative Assembly Vijaypur Chander Prakash Ganga, Principal Secretary Culture Department Brij Mohan Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, IGP Jammu Tejinder Singh, DIG JSK Range Shridhar Patil, Deputy Commissioner Samba Ayushi Sudan, Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums K.K. Sidha, President Vishwa Hindu Parishad J&K Rajesh Gupta, President Dharmarth Trust Dr. P.S. Pathania, senior officials, religious leaders, prominent citizens, youth and devotees attended the foundation stone-laying ceremony.
