ASI to resume Ratna Bhandar restoration work from June 28

Bhubaneswar, May 17: The long-awaited repair and renovation work of the Ratna Bhandar and Garbha Gruha (sanctum sanctorum) of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri will be carried out during the Lords’ annual Rath Yatra to the Gundicha Temple.

As per the decision taken in a recent review meeting between the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the suspended restoration work — halted since April 29 due to Chandan Yatra and other rituals — will resume between June 28 and July 6. This period aligns with the time when the deities are away from the temple, making it ideal for undertaking critical conservation work.

SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee said that ASI has been tasked with completing chemical cleaning and structural conservation of the Ratna Bhandar’s outer walls within 7 to 10 days. Already, five rusted iron beams have been replaced with stainless steel beams, and damaged stones are being repaired. More beams in the Bahara Ratna Bhandar will be similarly upgraded.

Plans also include replacing the metal mesh gate and wooden doors with silver-clad and gold-clad doors, and introducing air-conditioning in the Natya Mandap for devotees’ comfort. The Bimana’s damaged wooden frame will be replaced with a stainless steel structure, as recommended by the ASI’s technical team.