Pune, June 9, 2023: The revered Tirupati Balaji Temple on the outskirts of Jammu and Kashmir opened its doors to devotees on Thursday. Manoj Sinha, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Dr Jitendra Singh, and G Kishen Reddy attended the inauguration ceremony for the temple dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy in the Majeen area.
In the village of Majeen on the outskirts of the city, the Lieutenant Governor attended the Maha Samprokshanam (consecration ceremony) of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Dr Jitendra Singh and Union Minister of State G Kishan Reddy accompanied him.
During his address, Lieutenant Governor Sinha stated, “The dedication of the Lord Venkateswara temple will strengthen the religious tourism circuit in J&K, boost spiritual tourism, and provide a significant impetus to economic development and employment opportunities within the Union Territory.”
He further emphasised the divine significance of Lord Venkateswara, stating, “Lord Venkateswara maintains this world, and he is the very basis of existence. His divine blessings continue to guide the journey of Atam-Nirbhar Bharat and ensure peace and prosperity in people’s lives.”
In addition, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha noted that the inauguration of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple marked a historic milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sanatan (eternal) journey.
He expressed gratitude for the guidance of Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “Under the guidance of Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing rapid economic development and a revival of culture in Amrit Kaal (Golden Era). The Union Territory is reaching new heights of glory, divinity, and development in its eternal journey.”
Furthermore, Lieutenant Governor Sinha emphasised the significance of the holy shrines and religious places in the Union Territory, including Sri Venkateswara, Baba Amarnath, Mata Vaishno Devi, Mata Sharda, Shiv Khori, Adi Shankaracharya temple, Hazratbal, and other prominent religious and Sufi shrines. Its potential to boost tourism, as well as develop Jammu and Kashmir as the cultural and spiritual capital of the country, was highlighted by him.
The Lieutenant Governor also commended the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Shri Kallakh Jyotish & Vedic Sansthan, and other organisations for their significant contributions in promoting Vedic culture and traditions. He expressed confidence that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams would prioritise the establishment of a Ved Pathshala (Vedic School) and a healthcare centre.
As expected, Amit Shah would grace the occasion, but he could not do so. Lieutenant Governor Sinha conveyed Amit Shah’s best wishes. He said his future events in Jammu would commence only after obeying Sri Venkateswara Swamy.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to YV Subba Reddy, Chairman of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, and other board members for establishing the Sri Venkateswara temple on the land of spirituality and wisdom. Moreover, he expressed gratitude to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their cooperation throughout the process. Additionally, he acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the temple’s construction team.
G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the government and all devotees, on this auspicious occasion. He emphasised that the temple in Jammu would serve as a symbol of unity, spreading the message that from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India stands as one. Reddy highlighted that the temple would become a centre of spirituality and the preservation of Sanatan traditions. He further added that devotees of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and other prominent religious places could now seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara in Jammu as well.
Speaking on the significance of the day, Union Minister of State PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh, stated that it marked a new milestone in the development journey of Jammu and Kashmir. He referred to the temple as a celebration of India’s unity in diversity, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India).
The inauguration of the Tirupati Balaji temple in Jammu signifies a remarkable moment for the region, as it not only enhances spiritual tourism but also holds the potential to contribute to economic growth and employment opportunities within the Union Territory. The temple’s presence is expected to attract devotees from far and wide, solidifying Jammu and Kashmir’s position as a significant spiritual and cultural hub in the country.
The establishment of such religious centres, including the holy shrines of various deities, showcases the rich heritage and religious diversity of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an opportunity to promote religious tourism, foster cultural exchange, and strengthen the spiritual fabric of the Union Territory.
With the Tirupati Balaji temple joining the array of revered religious sites, Jammu and Kashmir’s spiritual landscape is poised for further growth and development. As devotees seek solace and blessings, this sacred addition is expected to leave an indelible mark on the region, attracting tourists, boosting the local economy, and ushering in a renewed era of cultural and spiritual significance.
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