Restoration work on the Ratna Bhandar (treasure chamber) of Puri’s revered Shree Jagannath Temple is in its final stages, with expectations that it will be completed before the annual Rath Yatra festival.
The repair project, overseen by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), aims to strengthen and preserve the structural integrity of this sacred space.
Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arabinda Padhee, expressed confidence that the remaining work would wrap up soon. He shared updates following a recent review with ASI officials, noting that while the conservation of the inner Ratna Bhandar is nearly done, floor renewal work is still underway.
Significant advancements have also been made in restoring the outer Ratna Bhandar, including the replacement of damaged stone blocks. On the Jagamohan platform, many fragile stones have been reinforced, with the repair work there approaching completion.
Among the major structural upgrades, five stainless steel beams have been installed inside the inner Ratna Bhandar, a step Padhee described as a key milestone in strengthening the chamber.
As preparations continue for the Rath Yatra, one of India’s most iconic religious festivals, these efforts ensure that the temple’s architectural and cultural legacy remains secure for generations to come.
