Puri: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) commenced the long-awaited repair and renovation work of the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Srimandir on Tuesday. The repair process, which will follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Odisha government, aims to ensure structural stability while preserving the temple’s sanctity and rituals.
The repair work is being carried out under the supervision of ASI officials and a team of temple experts, including conservators, chemical specialists, medical professionals, Fire Services personnel, and a dedicated ASI team.
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, speaking to the media, confirmed the initiation of the repair work and assured timely completion. He stated, “The ASI has set a time frame of three months to complete the work. However, we have urged them to expedite the process and finish it earlier.”
The minister emphasized that the repair work will not disrupt the rituals of Lord Jagannath or the darshan of devotees. He added that a specific schedule has been planned to ensure a smooth balance between the repair activities and temple rituals.
On the first day, ASI officials prioritized familiarizing themselves with the timing of the rituals to ensure their work does not interfere with temple proceedings. Devotees visiting the temple will be able to have darshan from outside the ‘Bahara Katha’ during the repair period.
As per the schedule, the daily repair work will begin after the second Bhoga mandapa and continue for approximately five hours, from 12:30 PM or 1:00 PM till 6:00 PM.
The renovation will proceed in stages, starting with the erection of iron pillars to provide structural support. Following this, the plaster from the chambers will be removed, and work on iron beams and rock reinforcements will be carried out. Notably, repairs will take place simultaneously on both the outer and inner chambers of the Ratna Bhandar.
The ASI’s initiative marks a significant step in safeguarding the centuries-old Ratna Bhandar, a revered chamber believed to hold the treasures of Lord Jagannath and His Holy Siblings. With meticulous planning and supervision, the authorities aim to complete the renovation while preserving the temple’s sacred traditions and ensuring a seamless experience for devotees.