The ongoing restoration work of the Ratna Bhandar, the revered treasure chamber of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, is on track to be completed after the Rath Yatra period.
Between June 28 and July 6, when the deities are not present in the temple, ASI officials will intensify efforts to strengthen and secure the inner and outer chambers.
Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Arabinda Padhee, recently shared a progress update, revealing 193 hours of work already completed over the last four months. Repairs to the inner chamber, including granite flooring and reinforcement tasks, are nearing completion. The outer chamber, which requires the installation of stainless steel beams, has approximately 50-60 hours of work left.
Laser scanning and GPS surveys have supported the delicate restoration process. A total of 277 Khandalite stones have been installed, and loose boulders have been carefully replaced. Authorities emphasised the scientific and cautious approach taken to address the dilapidated state of the inner chamber, where structural risks were evident.
The restoration work is critical not only to the safety of the Ratna Bhandar but also to preserving its role as a secure space for the temple’s invaluable ornaments and offerings. As Odisha’s Law Minister, Prithviraj Harichandan, noted, the work has been carried out under expert supervision, ensuring the historic chamber is ready to serve its purpose for years to come.
