ASI to start repair of Nata Mandap’s cracked beam from tomorrow

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will carry out the repair of the cracked beam at Nata Mandap in Srimandir from tomorrow (February 23). The repair work will go on from 1 pm till 7 pm.

The ASI has set a target to complete the work before March 20.

Speaking to the media, ASI superintendent DB Garnaik said, “The conservation work of the Srimandir Nata Mandap has already been started. Many components of its conservation work like roof-tightening and leak plugging have been completed. The only work left is the repair of the cracked beam.”   

The ASI has discussed the beam repair with the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, and nijogs/servitors who are looking after all types of rituals in Srimandir at a meeting recently and the work will start tomorrow, he added. 

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“All have assured cooperation during the repair of the Nata Mandap beam. No problem will arise during the repair work between 1 pm and 7 pm as no major rituals are performed during that period. A support beam will be placed under the cracked beam. The structural beam will be there to avert pressure during any structural imbalance or disaster,” Garnaik said.

Notably, at the recent Chhatisa Nijog meeting, it was decided that the conservation work of the Nata Mandap will be carried out from February 23 to March 19. To streamline the rituals, the Lion’s Gate will be opened at 2 am and the Ratra Pahuda will be performed at 11 pm.