The restoration of the Ratna Bhandar, the sacred treasury of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, was successfully completed on Monday, marking a significant milestone in preserving one of India’s most revered religious sites.
In a remarkable 95 days, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the supervision of SJTA Chief Dr. Arabinda Padhee, has restored the inner and outer storehouses using advanced scientific methods, ensuring their preservation for the next 200 years.
The restoration, which began on December 17, 2024, and concluded on April 28, 2025, involved granite flooring, the installation of 15 stainless steel beams, and a total of 21 beams, including existing ones, reinforced with joint sealing, grouting, and chemical washing. The outer storehouse now features a new door crafted from Burmese teak wood, to be plated with silver, while the inner storehouse door will be adorned with gold plating. Both storehouses are secured with triple-locked systems, with keys stored appropriately.
The Ratna Bhandar was first opened on July 14, 2024, to facilitate the transfer of treasures to a temporary storehouse. On August 23, 2024, an iron chest was relocated, followed by an ASI inspection on September 24, 2024. The meticulous repair process, informed by laser scanning and GPRS surveys, has been hailed as a landmark achievement in heritage conservation.
ASI Superintendent Dr. D.B. Garnaik emphasised the durability of the restoration, stating, “The Ratna Bhandar is now preserved for at least the next 200 years.” The project, completed ahead of schedule, spanned 332 hours and 47 minutes of intensive work.
With repairs complete, the next step involves transferring the treasures back to the inner and outer storehouses. A high-level state government committee will soon be formed to conduct a detailed inventory of Ratnabhandar’s jewels, following special Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
This census, eagerly awaited by devotees and historians alike, will document the sacred ornaments housed in the treasury. The successful restoration not only safeguards a significant cultural and religious heritage site but also reinforces Srimandir’s status as a global spiritual landmark.
