2013 - Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board | Commemorative Coin

The 2nd commemorative coin of 2013 was released to mark the Silver Jubilee of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. 

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, established in 1986, stands as one of India’s most respected temple management bodies, entrusted with overseeing the administration and development of one of the country’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations. Located in the Trikuta Hills of Jammu and Kashmir, the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi has attracted devotees for centuries, with millions visiting each year to seek blessings from the divine Mother. The formation of the Shrine Board marked a turning point in the management of the pilgrimage, transforming it from a challenging and often unsafe journey into a well-organized spiritual experience accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Before the establishment of the Board, the pilgrimage route lacked adequate facilities, and essential services such as sanitation, medical aid and crowd management were limited. The Shrine Board initiated a comprehensive overhaul, focusing on infrastructure, safety and the overall comfort of pilgrims. It widened and strengthened the pathways leading from Katra to the Holy Cave, introduced railings, rest shelters and hygienic food services, and upgraded lighting along the entire route. Ensuring cleanliness became a priority, and systems were put in place for waste management and regular upkeep of the pathways and surrounding areas. These improvements greatly enhanced both safety and the spiritual ambience of the pilgrimage.

The Board also introduced modern administrative practices while maintaining the shrine’s traditional sanctity. It set up facilities such as free community kitchens, clean drinking water points and medical units equipped to handle emergencies. Over the years, the Board has embraced technology to streamline services, introducing online yatra registration, accommodation booking and real-time information systems. The helicopter service between Katra and Sanjichhat, another major achievement, made the pilgrimage possible for senior citizens, people with disabilities and those with time constraints.

Beyond managing the pilgrimage, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has contributed significantly to social and economic development in the region. It established the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, a leading institution that promotes higher education and research. The Board also supports charitable hospitals, schools, environmental conservation programmes and disaster relief efforts. Its commitment to sustainable development is reflected in initiatives such as afforestation, water conservation and the promotion of eco-friendly practices along the pilgrimage route.

Today, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is recognized as a model religious administrative body, balancing tradition with modernization. Its efforts have ensured that the spiritual journey to the Holy Cave remains serene, safe and accessible while preserving the sanctity of one of India’s most revered shrines. Through its continuous improvements and community-oriented initiatives, the Board has transformed the pilgrimage into a symbol of faith, service and effective management, benefiting both devotees and the region at large.

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