JAMMU: The Bhoomi Pujan for Bhagwan Venkateshwara Mandir of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) in Jammu was performed today. Union Ministers G Kishen Reddy and Jitendra Singh, along with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, attended the ceremony. About 62.06-acres of land has been allotted to build the temple at at Majeen Village of Jammu.
LG Manoj Sinha twitted the same on Sunday stating, ‘that he took part in the much-awaited Bhumi Pujan ceremony of Venkateshwara Swamy Temple by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) at Majeen, Jammu’.
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha led Jammu and Kashmir administrative council had approved the construction of the temple on April 1st 2021. The land has been provided on a lease basis for a period of 40 years. TTD will construct the temple, amenities for pilgrims, a spiritual and meditation centre, a Veda Pathashala, residential quarters, parking and offices. TTD had announced temple construction back in 2019. Another temple was to be built in Varanasi, the TDD has announced already.
The construction of temple is expected to be completed in next 18 months in two phases costing Rs.33.22 crore. The LG said, “The prestigious project will also include a host of pilgrimage facilities and other Educational & Developmental infrastructure i.e. Veda Pathshala- Classrooms, Hostel Building & staff quarters; pilgrims amenities complex, Kalyanamandapam Vahanamandapam etc.”
However, official spokesperson of TTD said, “Once developed, the TTD infrastructure will be an attraction for pilgrims and tourists in addition to the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and Amarnathji Shrine. He also added that the temple will contribute to the economic development in the areas.
Ravinder Raina, BJP president of Jammu and Kashmir, was also present at the event. he said, “Jammu is a city of temples, and the addition of the most revered Balaji temple in the city would benefit the people.” He further added that the Balaji temple is a blessing for the people of Union Territory and the adjoining states. He said, “It will be an addition in the circuit of various important religious places, including the Vaishno Devi shrine, Bawe Wali Mata, Raghunath temple and Amarnath shrine.”