Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar repair to resume after Rath Yatra

Bhubaneswar, April 26: The repair work of the Ratna Bhandar at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri will be temporarily suspended until June 27 to ensure the proper conservation of the structure. This decision was made following a key review meeting that assessed the ongoing restoration progress.

Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), provided a detailed update on the progress made in the repair efforts. He informed reporters that a total of 193 hours and 5 minutes of work had been completed in the past four months. The repair work in the inner chamber (Bhitara Ratna Bhandar) is nearing completion, with only some minor stonework and reinforcement left, including the installation of granite flooring.

Padhee also noted that five stainless steel beams would be installed in the outer Ratna Bhandar to reinforce its structure. The repair work will resume after the Rath Yatra festival, from June 28 to July 6, when fewer restrictions will be in place, allowing for more substantial progress by the conservation teams, mainly consisting of ASI officials.

The restoration is expected to be completed after the Rath Yatra. According to ASI officials, 277 Khandalite stones have already been installed, including 148 inside the Bhitar Ratna Bhandar. The work is being carried out carefully to address cracks and ensure the long-term stability of the structure.