Puri Srimandir Ratna Bhandar Renovation Begins

Puri: The long-awaited repair and renovation of the Ratna Bhandar at Puri Srimandir is set to begin today, following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Odisha government.

The renovation work will be carried out under the supervision of experts from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), including teams of conservators, chemical specialists, medical professionals, fire officials, and a special ASI team. The decision regarding the repair schedule was finalized earlier during a Chhatisa Niyog meeting attended by the SJTA administrator, temple servitors, and ASI officials.

As per the arrangements, all officials and workers involved in the Ratna Bhandar repairs will wear traditional attire similar to that of the servitors and will be issued special identity cards for access. Entry without an identity card will be strictly prohibited.

Devotees visiting the temple will be directed to the Bahara Katha for Darshan, ensuring that the repair work does not interfere with daily temple rituals (Niti Kanti). The repair will take place for five hours each day, starting after the second Bhoga Mandapa rituals, from approximately 12:30 PM or 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

The process will begin with the erection of iron pillars to provide structural support, followed by the removal of plaster from the chambers. Subsequent phases will include iron beam installation and rock work, with both the inner and outer Ratna Bhandar undergoing simultaneous renovation.

The ASI has estimated that the project will take approximately three months to complete, though an exact timeline has not been confirmed. The renovation work is being undertaken with a focus on ensuring the structural integrity of the Ratna Bhandar for the next 500 years, incorporating technological advancements where necessary, as emphasized by temple servitors.