Ratna Bhandar Repair at Puri Srimandir Begins Tuesday

Puri: The much-anticipated repair work on the Ratna Bhandar of the Puri Srimandir is set to begin on Tuesday, following the completion of morning rituals. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team will commence the process at approximately 12:30 PM, according to sources from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).

ASI superintending engineer Dibishada Brajasundar Garnayak stated that an SJTA administrative official will unlock the Ratna Bhandar to facilitate the repair work. To ensure safety, the Jagamohana will be barricaded, and around 30 workers will be engaged in the project. ASI’s superintendent and Puri Sub-Circle In-Charge will oversee the operations.

The first phase of the work involves setting up iron pipes as support for the repairs. Subsequently, the plasters in the chambers will be removed, and repair work will proceed. Once the work is complete, the existing doors of the Ratna Bhandar will be replaced with stainless steel ones for enhanced security.

The ASI has set a three-month timeline for completing the repairs. Initially, work will focus on the inner Ratna Bhandar, adhering to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the temple administration.

Efforts are being made to ensure that the temple’s rituals and devotees’ darshan remain unaffected during the repair process. Senior ASI officials from Delhi will monitor the progress to maintain quality and discipline.

This initiative marks a significant step in preserving the 12th-century shrine while ensuring the safety and security of its treasured chambers.