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.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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