Srimandir Ratnabhandar Repairs Start December 17

Puri: The repair and renovation of the Ratnabhandar at Srimandir will commence on December 17, as decided during the Chhatisa Niyog meeting held on December 10. The meeting was chaired by Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will carry out the repair work daily from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, after the afternoon dhupa (arati) at Bhoga Mandapa. During this time, devotees can view the Lords and offer prayers from the wooden planks outside the sanctum.

The repair work will pause on specific days, including Saturdays, Sundays, December 31, January 1, 2025, and Niti Bahul Diwas. The ASI has requested three months to complete the renovation. Chief Administrator Padhee confirmed that strict protocols would be followed, allowing only authorized servitors, temple administration officials, and ASI workers at the site. All personnel will wear protective gear during the work.

During the renovation, the temple’s jewels will be securely transferred to a temporary Ratnabhandar. Once the repairs are completed, the jewels will be shifted back, followed by an evaluation of the treasures.

ASI Superintendent assured efforts to finish the work as quickly as possible, though no exact completion date has been provided. Meanwhile, rituals such as Pahili Bhoga, Debabhishek, and Makar Sankranti Niti have been approved for December 16.