ASI to Begin Repair Work on Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar from December 16
The Shree Jagannatha Temple is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannatha, a form of lord Vishnu, located on the eastern coast of India, at Puri in the state of Odisha
Puri: The repair work for the Ratna Bhandar (treasury) of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri will commence on December 16. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to begin the restoration, with a detailed schedule to be finalised in the coming days, as confirmed by a senior ASI official on Sunday.
An important meeting of the Chhatisa Nijog will soon discuss the modalities and daily work schedule, which will involve five to six hours of repairs each day. The restoration will begin with the outer chamber of the Ratna Bhandar, followed by repairs to the inner chamber. Stone replacements will be carried out where necessary to reinforce the structure’s stability.
This move comes after the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) requested ASI to undertake immediate repair, maintenance and conservation of the 12th-century treasury, which has shown signs of damage. The SJTA had previously received a 45-page survey report from ASI, which highlighted issues with the floor and walls of the Ratna Bhandar.
Earlier this year, the Ratna Bhandar was reopened after 46 years to facilitate an inventory of valuables and structural repairs. Once the restoration is complete, the temple’s treasures will be moved back from a temporary strongroom to their original location, along with a thorough inventory and audit.
