Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. KATRA: In a significant initiative aimed at further enriching the spiritual ambience and facilitating deeper devotional engagement among devotees, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has established and dedicated a ‘Sadhana Kaksh’ (Meditation Hall) amidst Vedic chanting on Friday at Bhawan area.
The ‘Sadhana Kaksh’ established as per the directions of Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Chairman, SMVDSB (Lt. Governor, JK-UT) was dedicated to the devotees under the supervision of Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB.
Located in the lower basement of the Ram Mandir along the exit cave route at Bhawan, the ‘Sadhana Kaksh’ has been developed with emphasis on simplicity and devotional sanctity. Spread over an area of approximately 1,500 square feet, the facility can accommodate about 160–170 devotees at a time. Special care has been taken to maintain silence and sanctity within the Kaksh (hall), ensuring an atmosphere of calm and spiritual focus.
The Chief Executive Officer stated that the establishment of a dedicated ‘Sadhana Kaksh’ in close proximity to the sanctum of Maa Vaishno Devi Ji forms part of the Shrine Board’s broader endeavour to strengthen the spiritual infrastructure at Bhawan. He exhorted that as lakhs of devotees undertake the Yatra every month with deep faith and devotion, the provision of a serene space for meditation significantly enhances the overall pilgrimage experience.
The Shrine Board has issued detailed operational guidelines for the ‘Sadhana Kaksh’. As per these guidelines, the Shrine Board shall provide basic materials for use by devotees including prayer beads (malas), cloth pouches (guthis) and other essential accessories. However, mobile phones and all electronic devices shall not be permitted inside the Kaksh. The ‘Sadhana Kaksh’ will remain open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM throughout the year.
Noteworthy that in recent years, the Shrine Board has undertaken several pilgrim‑centric initiatives, including the establishment of a new Yagyashala, the expansion and remodeling of the Atka area and the beautification of the exit cave zone, all aimed at providing devotees with a safe, comfortable and spiritually enriching Yatra experience.
Senior officers of the Shrine Board, including Shri Alok Kumar Maurya, Addl. Chief Executive Officer; Shri Satish Kumar Sharma, Jt. Chief Executive Officer; Shri Pawan Kumar Goswami, Dy. Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Gopal Sharma, Asstt. Chief Executive Officer; Shri Mukesh Kumar Thapa, Tehsildar Bhawan and Shri Gopal Shastri, Mukhya Pujari, along with the team of Pujaris, besides, other officers, members of the Shrine Board’s engineering team and a large number of devotees were present on the occasion.