ASI Completes Repair Work of Nata Mandap Beam at Puri Jagannath Temple

Puri: The repair work of the beam on the Nata Mandap of the Shree Jagannath temple in Puri has been completed. The beam, located at the top of the Garuda Stamba, had developed a crack, necessitating immediate attention.

Undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the repair work was conducted to ensure the safety of devotees and the structural integrity of the temple. Four steel beams have been installed in the beam situated on the south side of the Nata Mandap, effectively addressing the structural concern.

DB Gadaik, Superintendent of ASI, expressed satisfaction with the timely completion of the repair work, emphasizing that devotees can now visit the temple premises without any hindrance. He stated, “The deadline was issued to complete the work by today. The beam work has been completed. Now, there is no problem for the devotees.”

Furthermore, Gadaik informed that approximately 90% of the conservation work at Nata Mandap has been concluded. The remaining tasks, particularly plastering, will be carried out during the Rath Yatra festival. He assured that there would be no threat to the structure or movement of devotees during the upcoming religious festivities.

The repair initiative gained momentum following an order from the Orissa High Court, directing the ASI to expedite the restoration of Nata Mandap by the end of March. Commencing the repair works in February, the ASI worked diligently to meet the stipulated deadline, ensuring the sanctity and safety of the revered temple.