Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu, January 8, 2026:
In a significant step towards strengthening pilgrimage tourism and preserving the rich religious heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has accorded administrative approval for the “Development and Beautification of Machail Mata Temple” at Paddar in Kishtwar district, involving an estimated cost of ₹10.20 crore.
The approval has been granted by the Department of Culture under Government Order No. 01-JK(Cul) of 2026 dated January 7, 2026. The project aims to upgrade infrastructure and improve overall facilities at the revered Machail Mata Temple, one of the most prominent Shakti Peeths of the Chenab Valley, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims from across the country every year, especially during the annual Machail Yatra.
The sanctioned project is expected to significantly enhance the pilgrimage experience by improving access, amenities, aesthetics and safety around the temple complex. With better infrastructure and planned beautification, the shrine is likely to witness increased footfall, thereby giving a major push to religious tourism in the remote and hilly Paddar region. This, in turn, is expected to generate livelihood opportunities for local residents, including those engaged in hospitality, transport, pony services and small businesses.
Officials said the project has been technically vetted by the Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Division Paddar, and duly recommended by the Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K. The Detailed Project Report has been prepared in accordance with prescribed norms, ensuring durability, safety and long-term functionality of the assets to be created.
The development of Machail Mata Temple holds special importance not only from a religious perspective but also from a strategic tourism point of view. Improved infrastructure at the shrine is expected to put Paddar and adjoining areas firmly on the pilgrimage tourism map, encouraging longer stays by visitors and promoting the overall socio-economic development of the region.
The government has emphasized strict adherence to financial discipline, quality standards, timelines and environmental norms during execution of the project. The earlier administrative approval issued in January 2025 has been withdrawn, and the revised approval has been issued to ensure streamlined execution without cost or time overruns.
With this major investment, the Machail Mata Temple is set to emerge as a well-developed pilgrimage destination, reinforcing Jammu and Kashmir’s identity as a hub of spiritual tourism while preserving its cultural and religious legacy for future generations.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and MLA from Paddar–Nagseni constituency, Sunil Sharma, welcomed the decision and termed it a landmark moment for the region. Taking to his social media platform Facebook, Sharma congratulated the people of Paddar and the entire Jammu and Kashmir on the accord of the revised Administrative Approval for the Development and Beautification of Machail Mata Temple, Paddar, District Kishtwar, with a sanctioned amount of ₹10.20 crore. He said the revised approval marks a significant step towards strengthening religious infrastructure, promoting spiritual tourism and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region. Sharma added that the project will greatly enhance facilities for devotees visiting the holy shrine and contribute substantially to the overall development of the area, reflecting the government’s continued commitment to inclusive development and the welfare of the people.
